UC-NRLF 


SB    557    ADD 


72e  ROMANCE 
"Sa  OLD-TIME 
SHIPMASTER 


CP""*<jr"!^,  ((jet?*^ 


J* 


THE    ROMANCE    OF    AN    OLD    TIME 
SHIPMASTER 


«        C  C    C   f 

f  «  «  '  c  t   c 


I 


f^u^ell,  Jokn  WilUrd^ 


The  ROMANCE  of 
an  OLD  TIME 
SHIPMASTER 


Edited  by 

RALPH  D.   PAINE 

Author  of  "The  Greater  America" 
"  The  Story  of  Martin  Ooc"  etc. 


NEW  YORK 

THE  OUTING  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

MCMVII 


Copyrighted,  1907,  by 
THE  OUTlIfGvPUBLISHING.QOJtfPANY 


'All  \ights**resir^e'd  I 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.  By  Way  of  Introduction  1 

II.  Nancy  Smith  of  Bristol        -         -         -  -     14 

III.  A  Voyage  in  the  Slave  Trade     -         -  -28 

IV.  A  Voyage  in  the  Slave  Trade  (Continued)  -     49 
V.  Letters  to  a  Sailor's  Sweetheart        -  -     61 

VI.     A  Sailor's  Letters  to  His  Bride  -         -     75 

VII.     To  the  Mother  of  Little  Betsy  -         -92 

VIII.     The   Intimate   Journal  of  a  Voyage  to 

Europe ■       -  109 

IX.     The   Intimate   Journal  of  a  Voyage  to 

Europe  (Continued)         -         -         -         -  124 

X.  Homeward  Bound  !          -  141 

XI.  The  West  India  Trade  in  1805-6          -  -  159 

XII.  A  Sea  Log  of  a  Century  Ago       -  178 

XIII.  The  Shipmaster's  Last  Love  Letters  -  -  195 

XIV.  The    Death    of   His    "Dear    Friend   and 

Partner" 205 


M2241S7 


THE    ROMANCE    OF    AN    OLD    TIME 
SHIPMASTER 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN  OLD 
TIME  SHIPMASTER 


BY  WAY   OF  INTRODUCTION 

FOR  almost  a  hundred  years  these  letters  and  sea- 
journals  of  an  old-fashioned  American  shipmaster 
were  locked  in  the  battered  sea-chest  which  had 
voyaged  with  him  in  the  little  schooners  and  brigs  that  he 
courageously  navigated  to  the  West  Indies,  Europe  and 
Africa  from  1796  to  1813.  This  Captain  John  Willard 
Russell,  mariner  of  Bristol,  R.  I.,  achieved  no  great  dis- 
tinction in  the  annals  of  his  time,  but  he  was  one  of  a 
great  company  of  undaunted  Americans  who  braved  such 
perils  as  have  long  since  vanished  from  the  seas  to  play 
a  part  in  building  a  mighty  commerce  for  a  young  nation. 
Other  briny  memoirs  of  the  eighteenth  century  era 
have  come  to  light,  but  in  none  of  them  can  be  found, 
so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  discover,  so  very  intimate 
and  human  a  portrait  of  a  man  who  was  fairly  typical  of 
his  time.  For  the  most  part,  these  are  love-letters,  written 
during  courtship  and  through  the  tragically  brief  years  of 
his  married  life  with  Nancy  Smith  of  Bristol.      They  were 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


sent  to  her  from  fever-stricken  ports  of  the  Spanish  Main, 
from  the  slave  coast  of  Africa  and  during  long  and  lonely 
months  afloat  when  this  lover  and  husband  unburdened 
his  fond  and  homesick  heart  of  such  a  wealth  of  the 
truest  sentiment  and  of  so  genuine  a  kind  of  piety  that 
his  letters  seemed  to  deserve  another  fate  than  moldering 
oblivion  in  the  ancient  sea-chest. 

There  are  many  gaps  in  this  correspondence,  and  yet 
this  romance  of  an  earlier  century  is  singularly  complete. 
It  begins  with  the  memorable  day  of  1799  when  young 
Captain  Russell  meets  at  the  home  of  his  employer, 
Captain  Charles  DeWolf,  his  daughter  Abby  and  her 
"cousin  and  friend,  Nancy  Smith,  who  have  treated  me," 
he  writes  in  his  old-fashioned  way,  "with  such  friendly 
attention  as  to  recall  forcibly  to  my  recollection  those 
halcyon  days  which  I  formerly  spent  in  the  society  of 
those  I  loved.  While  I  have  sighed  at  the  remembrance 
of  past  Happiness,  I  have  been  tempted  when  in  their 
company  once  more  to  open  the  book  of  Friendship  which 
I  thought  I  had  closed  forever.  .  .  .  Adieu  for  a 
while  ye  kind  hearted  girls — May  guardian  Angels  pro- 
tect you  from  every  ill  and  may  ye  each  meet  with  Hap- 
piness pure  as  your  virtues  and  exalted  as  your  own 
benevolent  hearts." 

Eleven  years  later  he  is  writing  to  his  father: 

"Bowed  down  by  affliction,  having  been  but  recently 

deprived  of  a  beloved  Partner  of  my  heart  who,  after  a 

marriage  of  eight  years,  I  every  day  found  more  and 

more  reason  to  love  and  esteem — I  am  left  with  four  chil- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  3 

dren,  all  almost  helpless — God  grant  I  may  be  able  to 
perform  my  duty  to  them." 

Between  the  beginning  and  the  untimely  end  of  this 
sailor's  romance  (for  such  it  never  ceased  to  be)  he  was 
most  of  the  time  an  exile  at  sea,  battling  with  persistently 
adverse  fortune,  always  hoping  to  win  his  way  to  a  quiet 
haven  with  her  who  was  both  sweetheart  and  wife  as  long 
as  she  lived. 

Captured  by  a  French  privateer  in  his  first  voyage  he 
showed  that  he  was  made  of  sterling  stuff,  and  he  tells  of 
it  with  a  modesty  that  is  very  appealing.  He  was  super- 
cargo of  a  brig  in  which  he  had  risked  all  his  capital. 
What  must  have  been  a  brilliant  essay  against  huge  odds 
he  dismisses  in  this  sentence:  "After  being  ten  days  on 
the  Privateer — she  having  weakened  herself  by  manning 
prizes  and  having  only  ten  men  on  board — I  with  two 
other  prisoners  and  two  boys  concerted  a  plan  to  take 
possession  of  the  privateer,  in  which  we  happily  suc- 
ceeded and  stood  for  Jamaica." 

For  one  voyage  Captain  Russell  was  a  slaver,  and  his 
journal  describes  his  venture  to  the  African  coast  with 
much  detail.  In  his  day  the  slave-trade  was  piling  up 
fortunes  for  the  most  prominent  families  of  Newport  and 
Bristol,  and  to  send  out  a  cargo  of  rum  to  Gambia,  Goree, 
or  the  Bight  of  Benin  and  fetch  home  a  ship-load  of 
blacks  was  not  beneath  the  commercial  dignity  of  the 
pious  and  substantial  merchants  of  Puritan  New  England. 
It  was  not  a  business  to  boast  of,  however,  and  the  tide  of 
adverse  sentiment  had  even  then  begun  to  rise  against  the 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


activities  of  the  "rum-ships  and  Guinea-men."  Young 
Captain  Russell  squared  matters  with  his  conscience,  but 
he  was  not  proud  of  the  "hazardous  and  disagreeable 
voyage."  Nowhere  in  his  narrative  of  the  African  cruise 
can  the  word  "slaves"  be  found.  These  parts  of  his 
journal,  however,  are  unique,  for  it  is  fair  to  assert  that 
never  before  or  after  did  a  slaver  captain  write  at  sea 
more  sincerely  religious  reflections  in  which  there  is  not 
a  trace  of  hypocrisy  or  cant. 

This  African  venture  was  ruined  by  another  gang  of 
French  privateersmen,  and  the  unlucky  skipper  describes 
the  loss  of  ship  and  fortune  in  this  compact  account: 
"Last  night  a  little  sloop  from  Goree  with  sixteen  men 
armed  with  muskets,  took  possession — and  Huzza  for 
Goree." 

It  is  in  his  letters  to  his  Nancy,  however,  that  one 
becomes  best  acquainted  with  this  sturdy  seaman  of  the 
long  ago,  and  they  speak  for  themselves  in  more  moving 
and  even  eloquent  language  than  could  any  added  words. 
Almost  nothing  is  known  of  this  Bristol  maid  beyond  the 
sweet  and  simple  pictures  of  her  glimpsed  in  these  love- 
letters  and  journals.  She  had  scant  opportunity  to  send 
letters  to  him  at  sea,  and  these  few  have  been  lost.  Their 
circumstances  were  too  humble  for  portraits  of  either  of 
them  to  be  handed  down  to  us.  We  know  that  she  was 
related  to  the  De Wolfs,*  the  wealthiest  and  most  famous 
shipping  merchants  of  Rhode  Island,  and  that  he  came 

*  The  name  is  spelled  DeWolfe  by  the  present  day  descendants  of 
the  sea-faring  stock  of  the  eighteenth  century. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  5 

of  good  New  England  stock  in  which  seafaring  men  and 
Puritan  clergymen  had  mingled  their  blood  to  an  extent 
which  may  somewhat  account  for  the  character  of  this 
shipmaster. 

He  was  of  the  fifth  generation  of  the  Russells  in  New 
England  since  the  earliest  of  them  signed  the  covenant 
agreement  with  the  "First  Settlers  and  Free  Planters 
of  Quinnepiack  "  (the  New  Haven  Colony)  in  1639.  The 
great-grandfather  of  the  mariner  was  Rev.  Noadiah  Rus- 
sell, one  of  the  ten  ministers  to  found  Yale  College  in 
1700,  described  as  "  a  little  man  in  stature,  pious  and  holy, 
visited  all  his  flock  round  twice  a  year,  giving  good  and 
holy  counsel." 

Captain  Russell's  grandfather  was  also  a  minister,  of 
Stepney  parish,  Connecticut,  portrayed  in  his  funeral 
sermon  "  as  a  plain  man  in  his  manners,  in  the  deep  sense 
of  his  responsibility;  as  a  preacher  he  never  stooped  to 
frivolous  embellishments  of  style  so  popular  with  some 
congregations,  but  attired  himself  habitually  with  the 
simplicity  of  the  Gospel."  Captain  Russell's  father  was 
a  soldier  of  the  Revolution  with  Washington  at  Valley 
Forge,  and  represented  the  town  of  Winsted,  Conn.,  in 
the  General  Assembly  of  1801. 

The  seafaring  descendant  of  these  pioneers  of  godly 
lives  and  worthy  deeds  proved  himself  in  every  way 
worthy  of  the  name  he  bore,  incongruous  as  this  may 
sound  to  modern  ears  of  a  slaver  out  of  Bristol  and 
Newport,  those  twin  centers  of  the  roaring  traffic  in  rum 
and  negroes.     Most  of   his   maritime  years  were  passed 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


in  the  employ  of  Captain  James*  and  Captain  Charles 
De Wolfs  of  Bristol.  His  papers,  of  which  this  book 
consists,  came  at  length  into  the  hands  of  his  descendant, 
the  late  Hamlin  Russell,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  who,  had  he 
lived,  would  have  edited  them  with  unusual  literary  taste 
and  sympathy.  In  a  page  of  prefatory  notes  left  with 
these  papers  in  the  old  sea-chest  he  wrote  well  and  fairly 
of  this  ancestor  of  his: 

"In  Captain  John  W.  Russell  there  lived  a  man  who 
was  brave  as  he  was  gentle,  a  man  who  loved  his  friends 
and  did  his  duty  in  life  faithfully.  One  who,  while  longing 
for  a  peaceful  life  passed  his  days  in  turmoil  and  died 
leaving  behind  him  in  these  ancient  pages  a  record  of 
which  all  who  bear  his  name  have  reason  to  be  proud." 

This  verdict  carries  a  wider  significance,  in  my  opinion, 
for  there  is  reason  to  be  proud,  also,  of  this  humble 
sailor  and  knightly  lover  as  a  true-blooded  American 
whose  spirit  and  whose  qualities  of  character  cannot  be 
permitted  to  become  old-fashioned  if  this  nation  is  to 
endure  upon  the  foundation  laid  by  its  builders. 

Froude,  in  his  essay,  "England's  Forgotten  Worthies," 

*  James  DeWolf,  United  States  Senator  from  Rhode  Island,  and  one 
of  the  foremost  American  merchants  of  his  time,  was  the  son  of  a 
humble  sailor,  Mark  Antony  DeWolf  from  Guadaloupe.  Born  in 
Bristol  in  1764,  James  De  Wolf  served  on  privateers  during  the  Revolu- 
tion while  a  boy  in  his  teens,  and  was  twice  captured.  He  was  a  ship- 
master before  he  was  twenty  and  at  the  age  of  thirty-five  had  amassed  a 
fortune.  During  the  war  of  1812  he  sent  out  a  formidable  fleet  of  priva- 
teers against  British  commerce,  and  from  his  own  shipyard  the  sloop-of- 
war,  Chippewa,  was  built  and  delivered  to  Commodore  Oliver  Hazard 
Perry  in  fifty-seven  days  after  her  keel  was  laid. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  7 

pays  tribute  to  the  seafaring  heroes  of  the  Elizabethan 
age,  and  what  he  says  of  the  ship-captains  of  that  golden 
era  is  also  true,  in  a  less  conspicious  way,  of  such  an  old- 
time  American  mariner  as  this  Captain  John  Russell. 

"With  us  the  sailor  is  scarcely  himself  beyond  his 
quarter-deck.  If  he  is  distinguished  in  his  profession, 
he  is  professional  merely;  or  if  he  is  more  than  that,  he 
owes  it  not  to  his  work  as  a  sailor,  but  to  independent 
domestic  culture.  With  them  their  profession  was  the 
school  of  their  nature,  a  high  moral  education  which  most 
brought  out  what  was  most  nobly  human  in  them;  and 
the  wonders  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sea,  and  sky,  were  a 
real  intelligible  language  in  which  they  heard  Almighty 
God  speaking  to  them." 

It  may  help  to  acquaint  the  reader  with  the  man  him- 
self if  his  romance  and  sea-life  are  prefaced  by  sundry 
quotations  from  letters  written  to  his  father.  Modern 
improvements  have  not  bettered  the  eighteenth  century 
art  of  letter  writing,  nor  is  it  certain  that  the  one-time 
attitude  of  filial  respect  was  an  undesirable  thing  in  chil- 
dren. From  Claremont,  N.  H.,  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
three,  John  Russell  addressed  his  father  Nathaniel,  at 
Colebrook,  Conn.,  under  date  of  September  23,  1793: 

"Dear  and  Respected  Sir: 

Bound  by  the  ties  of  duty,  obligation  and  gratitude 
to  my  Honoured  Parents,  I  feel  much  pleasure  whenever 
I  think  it  is  in  my  power  to  add  to  their  Happiness.  That 
a  letter  from  me  will  be  pleasing  to  you  I  make  no  Doubt 


8  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

— the  kindliness  and  tenderness  I  have  ever  experienced 
from  the  best  of  Fathers  forbids  me  to  doubt  it.  To  you, 
my  Dear  Sir,  I  feel  myself  under  every  obligation  for  the 
care  and  attention  which  you  bestowed  on  me  while  I 
was  under  your  immediate  care — for  the  pains  which 
you  and  my  dear  Mamma  have  both  taken  to  form  my 
mind  and  to  teach  me  those  things  in  infancy  which  might 
be  useful  to  me  through  life.  However  distant  or  how- 
ever long  we  may  be  separated,  I  shall  still  cherish  a 
grateful  remembrance  of  your  goodness  and  shall  ever 
implore  the  Divine  Benediction  to  rest  upon  your  head. 
.  .  .  One  of  my  brothers  some  time  since,  wrote  me 
that  he  heard  I  was  chosen  Justice  of  the  Peace.  In  this 
State  the  Justices  are  appointed  by  the  Governor  and 
Council,  and  not  chosen  by  the  Assembly  as  in  Connecti- 
cut. But  for  many  reasons  I  declined  accepting — my 
youth  and  inexperience  and  the  little  relish  I  have  for 
honorary  stations  or  titles — except  I  were  very  sure  of 
filling  them  with  Propriety — these  were  my  principal 
reasons.  My  friends,  many  of  them,  blame  me,  but  I 
have  seen  no  cause  to  repent." 

In  1796,  John  Russell  undertook  a  western  journey, 
and  joined  the  pioneers  who  were  pushing  on  into  the 
wilderness  of  Western  New  York  and  Michigan.  He 
selected  a  tract  of  land  near  Presque  Isle  and  wrote  his 
father: 

"We  are  pleased  with  our  situation — are  clearing  land 
slowly  and  expect  to  sow  some  wheat.     There  are  many 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  9 

people  at  Presque  Isle,  but  from  various  causes  this  year 
the  settlement  will  be  small.  The  Connecticut  Com- 
pany are  on  their  Reserve  only  22  miles  beyond  us,  and 
all  are  healthy  and  in  good  spirits." 

It  is  to  be  presumed  that  this  promising  prospect  proved 
disappointing,  and  that  John  Russell  had  not  the  bent  of 
the  successful  frontiersman.  Two  years  later,  in  1798,  he 
is  in  Virginia  and  embarking  upon  the  first  voyage  of  a 
seafaring  career  which  was  to  continue  almost  unbroken 
until  his  death  in  1814  at  the  early  age  of  forty-four.  What 
were  the  risks  our  sailors  and  merchants  faced  in  the  years 
when  the  French,  in  our  unofficial  war  with  the  u  Terrible 
Republic,"  were  cruelly  harassing  our  feeble  marine  are 
pictured  in  the  following  letter  from  John  Russell  to  his 
father : 

Charleston,  (S.  C.,)  Jan.  19th,  1798. 
"Dear  and  Respected  Sir: 

I  think  it  uncertain  whether  you  have  heard  anything 
from  me  since  I  left  Virginia  in  the  month  of  August.  I 
then  informed  you  of  the  particulars  of  my  Southern 
journey  and  how,  to  secure  my  own  Debt,  I  was  induced 
to  take  a  share  in  a  Brig  and  Cargo — bound  to  the  West 
Indies.  I  sailed  soon  after  from  the  river  Potomac 
bound  to  Cape  Nicholas  Mole — the  Brig  and  Cargo  worth 
eleven  thousand  dollars — one  half  of  which  was  my  own, 
and  the  remainder  consigned  to  me  as  super-cargo.  After 
being  out  fourteen  days  we  were  taken  by  a  French  pri- 
vateer— myself  and  a  boy  were  put  on  board  the  privateer 


10  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

without  being  allowed  to  take  any  clothes  with  me.  Our 
Brig  was  ordered  to  Cape  Francois. 

After  being  ten  days  on  the  Privateer — she  having  weak- 
ened herself  by  manning  prizes  and  having  only  10  men  on 
board — I,  with  two  other  prisoners  and  two  boys,  concerted 
a  plan  to  take  possession  of  the  privateer,  in  which  we 
happily  succeeded,  and  stood  for  Jamaica.  But  twelve 
hours  after  we  unfortunately  fell  in  with  another  French 
Privateer,  of  large  force,  who,  on  sending  their  boat  on 
board,  discovered  our  situation,  and  soon  turned  the  ta- 
bles upon  us.  I  will  not  attempt  to  detail  the  long  series 
of  cruel  treatment  which  succeeded. 

In  three  days  I  was  landed  and  closely  confined  at 
Petit  Ance,  opposite  to  Cape  Francois.  Three  weeks  I 
was  in  irons,  among  filth  and  dirt,  sickness  and  death; 
upon  a  very  small  allowance  of  bad  provisions.  At  length 
I  was  released  on  the  27th  of  Novr.  In  the  mean  time  the 
Brig  and  Cargo  were  condemned,  and  when  I  was  liber- 
ated, I  had  no  clothes  and  not  a  shilling.     .     .     . 

I  took  passage  in  a  sloop  bound  to  Norfolk  in  Virginia, 
where  I  arrived  on  the  30th  of  Deer.  I  had  reason  to  ex- 
pect that  the  gentleman  who  owned  the  other  half  of  the 
Brig,  was  now  at  this  place,  which  induced  me  to  take 
passage  in  a  packet,  which  arrived  here  on  the  8th 
Inst.  I  was  disappointed  in  not  finding  him.  I  felt  my 
situation  distressing  enough,  among  strangers — without 
money  and  without  clothes.  To  complete  my  Misfor- 
tunes I  have  been  arrested  for  a  debt,  due  in  Phila.,  and 
am  now  in  Jail  at  this  place.     A  Capt.  Thomas  Bunce,  of 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  11 

Rockyhill — Master  of  a  sloop,  very  generously  furnished 
me  with  twenty  five  Dollars,  with  which  assistance  I  will 
be  at  Liberty  in  five  days  from  this.  For  that  sum  I  have 
ventured  to  give  him  an  order  on  you,  and  hope  when  you 
recollect  my  peculiarly  wretched  situation,  you  will  not 
refuse  to  pay  it.  Indeed,  I  believe  there  is  more  than  that 
sum  due  me,  as  I  had  a  note  against  you  for  five  pound, 
which  has  been  many  years  on  interest,  and  as  I  never  did 
call  on  you  for  any  assistance  and  should  be  sorry  Capt. 
Bunce  should  lie  out  of  his  money,  I  hope  you  will  leave  that 
sum  with  my  aunt  Robbins,  agreeable  to  Capt.  Bunce 's 
request.  My  brother  Benjamin  has  heard  nothing  of  me 
since  I  sailed  for  the  West  Indies.  Poor  Lad!  How  he 
has  fared  in  that  western  country,  I  know  not.  Had  I 
made  a  successful  voyage  it  would  have  laid  the  foundation 
of  a  fortune  for  him  and  me  too.  I  have  much  anxiety 
for  his  situation.  But  my  own  misfortunes  have  well- 
nigh  distracted  me.     .     .     ." 

(The  following  mutilated  letter  is  endorsed  "March 
22nd,  1798,"  and  addressed  as  the  preceding.) 

".  .  .  have  neglected  writing  until  I  could  inform 
you  what  I  was  going  about.  I  have  an  offer  to  go  to  St. 
Thomas,  one  of  the  Danish  W.  Indies,  and  expect  to  sail 
this  day.  I  have  a  prospect  of  making  something  if  the 
voyage  succeeds,  and  in  my  situation  I  was  glad  to  accept 
of  any  business.  You  may  rest  assured,  my  Dear  Father, 
that  poor  and  unfortunate  as  I  am,  your  son  has  not  dis- 
graced himself.     No — though  entirely  a  stranger  here,  I 


12  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

have  received  the  countenance  and  friendship  of  some  of 
the  best  men  in  the  place.  It  would  have  afforded  me  the 
highest  satisfaction  could  I  have  heard  from  you  before  I 
again  quit  the  Continent — and  in  particular  from  my 
good  brother  Benjamin.  .  .  .  But  I  never  shall  think 
of  returning  to  the  Northward  until  I  am  enabled  to  full- 
fill  those  engagements  into  which  I  have  entered  and  to 
realize  those  expectations  which  my  friends  have  formed 
of  me.  This,  I  have  no  doubt,  I  shall  do,  if  I  have  health, 
and  I  never  enjoyed  better  than  at  present.  I  have  a 
thousand  things  to  attend  to  this  day.  Accept  my  Duty, 
and  Love  to  you  all,  and  believe  me  to  be  Dear  Sir,  Your 
very  affectionate  son,  John  W.  Russell. 

N.  B.  I  sail  in  the 
Schooner  called  the 
Eliza,  of  Charleston, 
Caot.  Combs." 

St.  Thomas  (W.  I.),  August  12th,  1798. 
"Dear  and  Respected  Sir: 

I  wrote  you  on  my  departure  from  Norfolk  and  men- 
tioned my  destination  to  this  port.  I  am  very  happy  to 
have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  you  of  my  safe  arrival.  I 
have  been  here  about  four  weeks,  and  have  sold  the 
Schooner  I  came  out  in.  The  present  critical  situation 
of  affairs  is  such,  and  almost  every  vessel  being  unwilling 
to  take  letters,  you  will  readily  conceive  why  I  do  not 
write  you  more  particularly.  That  I  am  in  good  health 
and  have  good  prospects  before  me,  I  am  sure  will  add 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  13 

to  your  happiness.  And  to  increase  that  happiness  in 
any  manner,  will  always  be  the  favorite  wish  of  my  heart. 
Nothing  could  give  me  greater  pleasure  than  once  more  to 
hear  of  the  welfare  of  those  dear  friends  I  left  behind  me, 
but  unsettled  as  I  am  at  present  it  is  a  happiness  I  cannot 
expect.  But  my  most  ardent  prayers  will  always  be 
breathed  to  Heaven,  to  crave  its  protection  and  blessing 
on  the  heads  of  my  dear  and  respected  Parents.  I  expect 
to  proceed  from  hence  to  one  of  the  Windward  Islands, 
and  shall  lose  no  opportunity  of  writing  to  you.  This 
goes  in  a  Danish  Brig  by  way  of  Boston.  My  love  to  my 
brothers  and  sisters.     I  am,  with  duty  and  affection, 

Your  son, 

John  W.  Russell." 


14  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

n 

NANCY  SMITH   OF   BRISTOL 

SO  much  of  these  early  letters  as  has  been  quoted 
was  by  way  of  introduction  to  the  following  u  Jour- 
nal of  Captain  John  W.  Russell,  Mariner,  of 
Bristol,  R.  I.,"  as  he  inscribed  the  title  page  of  the  sea- 
stained  book  in  which  he  kept  a  more  complete  and 
detailed  record  than  in  the  ordinary  log.  With  this  journal 
begins  the  romance  which  was  to  color  almost  every 
thought  of  the  shipmaster  in  the  years  that  followed.  It 
is  during  the  voyage  to  Havana,  as  described  herein,  that 
he  drinks  his  first  toast  to  fair  Nancy  Smith,  and  by  an 
odd  chance  his  schooner  bears  the  name  of  the  girl  he 
leaves  behind  him.  Her  memory  seems  to  be  the  one 
bright  picture  in  a  voyage  which  is  amazingly  crowded 
with  misfortunes.  In  his  first  sea  venture  of  the  year 
before,  the  fortune  of  war  had  snatched  his  vessel  from 
him.  Now  he  loses  his  cargo  by  stress  of  weather,  and 
later  is  thrown  into  a  Spanish  dungeon  and  his  mate  sails 
off  from  Cuba  without  him.  The  journal  reads,  for  the 
most  part,  as  follows: 

May  27th,  1799.  I  took  charge  of  the  Schooner  Nancy, 
then  lying  in  Bristol  Harbour,  State  of  Rhode  Island, 
having  on  board  16  horses,  some  provisions  and  lumber, 
and  bound  to  New  Providence  and  Havana — the  wind 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  15 

blowing  every  day  at  S.W.  prevented  our  sailing  till 
Friday,  May  31st.  When  the  wind  suddenly  shifting  to 
N.N.E.,  at  meridian,  we  weighed  and  made  sail.  Before 
we  got  down  to  Newport,  it  rained  very  hard  and  became 
very  thick,  so  that  we  could  scarce  see  twice  the  vessel's 
length,  and  blowing  hard.  We  ran  in  and  came  to 
anchor  just  within  the  U.  S.  Frigate  Genl.  Greene,*  Capt. 
Perry — blowing  hard  and  raining  all  night. 

I  have  now  bid  adieu,  for  a  while,  to  Bristol,  where  I 
have  loitered  some  time  and  which  I  leave  with  more 
regret  than  I  expected.  I  arrived  there  with  feelings 
soured  by  a  long  course  of  disappointments  and  with  a 
disposition  so  fretted  by  the  corroding  hand  of  misfortune 
as  almost  wholly  to  unfit  me  for  the  enjoyment  of  social 
intercourse — and  in  fact  without  a  wish  to  cultivate  the 
acquaintance  of  anyone — but  the  free,  hospitable  manners 
of  many  of  its  inhabitants  has  imperceptibly  brought  me 
to  relish  their  society.     To  Capt.   C.   DeWolf  and  his 

*  The  frigate  General  Greene  was  built  by  James  DeWolf,  of  Bristol, 
and  Gibbs  and  Channing,  of  Newport,  as  a  merchantman,  but  was 
bought  by  the  Government  while  still  on  the  stocks.  She  was  put  in 
commission  in  April,  1799,  in  command  of  Capt.  Christopher  Raymond 
Perry.  The  General  Greene  was  of  645  tons  burden,  pierced  for  24 
twelve-pounders,  and  carried  in  all  32  guns  and  250  men.  On  her  first 
cruise  Oliver  Hazard  Perry,  later  the  hero  of  Lake  Erie,  was  a  midship- 
man. This  frigate  captured  several  French  prizes,  but  made  an  unlucky 
record.  She  became  infected  with  a  malignant  tropical  fever  which  cost 
the  lives  of  several  of  her  crew.  In  1805  she  was  spoken  of  as  a  "sheer 
hulk,"  and  in  1814  she  was  burned  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  British.  In  later  letters  Captain  Russell  tells  of  meeting  her  in 
Havana  harbor  and  of  her  useful  service  in  convoying  American  merchant 
fleets  against  the  attacks  of  French  privateers. 


16  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

whole  family  I  am  under  great  obligations — his  daughter 
Abby  and  her  cousin  and  friend,  Nancy  Smith,  have  treated 
me  with  such  friendly  attention  as  to  recall  forcibly  to  my 
recollection  those  halcyon  days  which  I  formerly  spent 
in  the  society  of  those  I  loved.  While  I  have  sighed  at 
the  remembrance  of  past  happiness,  I  have  been  tempted 
when  in  their  company  once  more  to  open  the  book  of 
friendship,  which  I  thought  I  had  closed  forever.  But 
business  calls  me  away — once  more  I  am  on  the  wing — 
Adieu  for  a  while  ye  kind  hearted  Girls — May  guardian 
Angels  protect  you  from  every  ill,  and  may  ye  each  meet 
with  happiness  pure  as  your  virtues  and  exalted  as  your 
own  benevolent  hearts. 

.  .  .  Sunday,  June  9th  (at  Sea).  Yesterday  and 
last  night  we  experienced  the  severest  gale  of  wind  I  ever 
knew  in  these  seas,  beginning  at  E.S.E.  and  ending  at 
N.N.W.  preceded  and  accompanied  with  heavy  rain. 
After  every  exertion  on  my  part  we  were  obliged  at  4  p.  m. 
yesterday  to  throw  all  our  horses  overboard.  A  most  tre- 
mendous sea  running  and  being  in  imminent  danger  every 
moment  of  upsetting,  it  was  with  much  difficulty  we  got 
clear  of  the  horses.  At  the  time  we  cut  away  the  lee 
part  of  the  awning  the  upper  part  of  the  stanchions 
were  under  water.  For  several  hours  afterwards  the  gale 
increased  and  had  the  horses  remained  on  board  half  an 
hour  longer  nothing  short  of  Omnipotence  could  have 
saved  the  vessell  and  our  lives.  We  lost  some  hay — 
our  oars — jib,  &c.  and  I  got  severely  bruised  among  the 
horses — thank  God  it  is  no  worse. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  17 

Monday,  June  10th.  Reflections  on  the  preceding 
scene. 

The  Great  disposer  of  events  on  earth 

For  some  unsearchable  and  unknown  purpose 

Is  pleased  to  mark  me  for  adversity. 

Teach  me  O  Thou  Parent  of  the  Universe  to  bow  sub- 
missive to  Thy  Will — and  teach  me  to  discern  the  hand 
of  a  father  amid  the  chastenings  of  a  God. 

"Nor  God  alone  in  the  great  calm  we  find — 
He  mounts  the  storm  and  walks  upon  the  wind.*' 

I  ought  to  feel  peculiarly  grateful  that  during  the  late 
tremendous  trial  my  presence  of  mind  never  for  a  moment 
forsook  me — there  was  no  hurry — no  confusion — and 
were  the  scene  to  be  acted  over  again  I  do  not  recollect 
anything  I  could  have  done  but  what  was  done,  nor 
anything  I  did  which  I  now  wish  had  been  left  undone. 
It  was  a  melancholy  scene  to  see  the  horses  swimming 
after  us — which  many  of  them  did  for  nearly  half  an 
hour — but  attention  to  our  immediate  safety  at  that  time 
drove  away  all  the  other  considerations.  We  were  obliged 
to  lower  all  sail  and  lay  too  under  bare  poles  till  next 
morning. 

This  event  is  not  only  unfortunate  for  the  owners  and 
shippers,  but  it  is  peculiarly  so  for  me — not  only  as  the 
greater  part  of  the  little  emolument  I  expected  depended 
on  the  sale  of  the  horses — but  also  as  it  is  the  first  business 
I  have  ever  done  for  my  present  employers  and  the  first 


18  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

voyage  I  have  ever  sailed  from  that  port — but  whatever 
my  anxiety  may  be  I  have  the  consolation  of  reflecting 
that  I  have  done  everything  that  depended  on  me. 

Let  me  see — a  pair  of  my  Bristol  friends*  made  me 
promise  to  drink  their  health  every  Saturday  night  at  9 
o'clock  and  engaged  at  that  hour  to  pledge  me.  What 
was  my  situation  at  9  o'clock  last  Saturday  night?  At  10 
I  remember  that  the  fury  of  the  elements  having  some- 
what abated  I  went  below  for  the  first  time  for  several 
hours — dripping  with  water — having  been  thoroughly 
drenched  to  my  skin  for  36  hours,  and  without  sleep  42 
hours.     I  then  thought  that  to 

"Comfort  our  hearts  with  a  morsel  of  dram" 

would  be  good  for  us  all — and  though  one  hour  later  than 
the  stipulated  time,  I  did  not  forget  to  drink 

"To  the  friends  Vve  left  behind  me." 

Tuesday ,  June  11th.  What  a  striking  contrast  is  now 
exhibited  to  the  scene  which  presented  itself  on  Saturday 
last.  One  would  hardly  suppose  that  we  are  now  swim- 
ming on  the  same  Sea.  Then  it  appeared  as  if  all  the 
elements  were  rushing  together  in  confusion  and  that  the 
system  of  Nature  would  hardly  be  able  to  stand  the  shock. 
Now  everything  looks  smiling — the  morning  beautifully 
serene  though  calm.  Not  a  cloud  to  be  seen  and  the  face 
of  old  Ocean  smooth  as  the  bosom  of  conscious  inno- 
cence— in  the  afternoon  a  fine  breeze,  and  the  wind  fair 
*  Misses  Abby  DeWolf  and  Nancy  Smith. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  19 

makes  it,  if  possible,  still  more  pleasant.  Then  if  reflec- 
tion could  have  been  permitted  the  prospect  of  immediate 
dissolution  would  have  obtruded  itself.  Now — the  pros- 
pect is  fair  for  a  safe  and  pleasant  passage  to  our  destined 
port.  So  fares  it  also  in  the  voyage  of  life — the  calm  suc- 
ceeds the  storm,  and  probably  if  we  never  endured  the  one, 
we  should  not  so  richly  enjoy  the  other. 

Sunday,  June  16th.  For  several  days  past  we  have 
been  constantly  struggling  with  a  head  wind  and  heavy 
Sea,  which  has  sent  us  much  out  of  our  course  to  the 
Eastw'd. — and  allowed  us  to  gain  but  slowly  to  the 
Southw'd.  This  afternoon,  however,  the  wind  has  shifted 
to  N.N.E.,  a  light  breeze  but  very  fair  for  us  and 
we  once  more  are  cheered  with  the  prospect  of  seeing 
an  end  to  our  passage;  this  is  the  more  gratifying  as 
for  several  days  past  the  vessell  has  leaked  so  much  as 
to  keep  one  hand  employed  at  the  pump  one  third  of  the 
time. 

The  prayers  of  the  Church  are  with  us  to-day  and  we 
are  blessed  with  a  fair  wind — Heark  ye  there — You  Bris- 
tol Girls — how  went  the  cheerful  bottle  last  night — I  fear 
you  have  already  forgotten  your  engagement,  while  I  at 
the  appointed  hour  swigg'd  my  Saturday  night's  allow- 
ance and  religiously  toasted — "  The  friends  Tve  left  behind 

While  my  warm  sighs  increased  the  wind 
Looked  on  the  Moon  and  thought  of 

Sunday,  June  %3d.  Yesterday  at  4  p.m.  made  the 
island  of  Abaco  ahead — ran  down  for  the  South  end  or 


20  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Hole-in-the-Wall* — so-called — and  at  Sun-set  it  bore 
N.W.W.  from  us  distant  3  leagues.  Our  Main  mast  is 
unfortunately  sprung — the  wind  in  the  night  proved  scant, 
not  being  able  to  carry  a  whole  Mainsail.  This  morning 
we  had  the  mortification  to  see  the  town  and  Harbour  of 
Nassau  several  miles  to  windward  of  us.  By  this  time 
the  Main  Mast  work'd  so  badly  that  we  could  carry  no 
sail  at  all  on  it — expecting  every  minute  it  would  go 
over  the  side.  In  this  situation  we  were  obliged  to  bear 
away — and  running  in  for  the  land,  with  difficulty  and 
great  risk,  found  our  way  into  a  bay  and  came  to  anchor 
in  3  fathom  water. 

Sunday,  June  %3d,  1799.  Got  our  boat  out  which 
prov'd  very  leaky — having  lost  all  our  oars  but  one — made 
some  paddles,  and  with  one  man  constantly  bailing  water, 
made  out  to  reach  the  shore — being  about  a  mile  from  the 
Schooner.  This  place  is  called  Charlottesville  and  is  12 
miles  to  the  Westw'd.  of  Nassau — there  are  some  scatter- 
ing plantations  near.  Through  the  politeness  of  Mr.  Wiley 
I  obtained  a  Horse — and  having  partook  at  Mr.  Ander- 
son's of  a  good  turtle  dinner,  proceeded  to  Nassau. 

*  "Their  coasting  vessel  knew  the  way  (to  the  West  Indies)  without 
quadrant  or  Practical  Navigator.  Their  skippers  kept  their  reckoning 
with  chalk  on  a  shingle  which  they  stowed  away  in  the  binnacle;  and  by 
way  of  observations  they  held  up  a  hand  to  the  sun.  When  they  got  him 
over  four  fingers  they  knew  they  were  straight  for  Hole-in-the-Wall; 
three  fingers  gave  them  their  course  to  the  Double-headed-Shot  Keys, 
and  two  carried  them  down  to  Barbadoes."  (Quotation  from  an 
old  writer  of  a  humorous  turn  in  The  American  Merchant  Marine  by 
Winthrop  L.  Marvin.) 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  21 

Monday,  June  24th.  Having  by  Capt.  Hunter's  assist- 
ance procured  a  black  carpenter,  went  with  him  to  Char- 
lottesville and  after  examination  concluded  to  try  to  repair 
the  Mast. 

Thursday,  June  27th.  At  10  a.m.  weighed  anchor 
from  Charlottesville,  wind  E.S.E.  and  on  Friday  at  8  p.m. 
came  to  anchor  just  within  the  bar  at  Nassau. 

Nassau,  Sunday,  June  30th.  I  here  met  Capt. 
Howland  in  the  Schooner  Neptune  of  Bristol,  belonging 
to  Capt.  C.  DeWolf,  from  the  coast  of  Africa — sent  in 
a  few  days  since  by  the  British  Frigate,  Lowestoffe.  He 
was  a  stranger  to  me — but  knowing  his  friends  in  Bristol, 
from  whom  I  had  letters  to  him,  (expecting  to  meet  him 
in  Havana) — I   have   made  acquaintance  with  him. 

This  place  appears  to  me  as  formerly.  Privateering — 
alias  plundering,  is  the  order  of  the  day.  A  majority  of 
the  people  are  a  set  of  raggamuffins  who  could  not  live  in 
any  civilized  place  and  are  here  collected  from  all  quarters. 
It  contains,  however,  some  very  worthy  characters.  Here 
too  I  have  very  unexpectedly  met,  in  the  person  of  Mrs. 
Ormsby,*  a  lovely  and  unfortunate  young  woman  in 
whose  History  I  was  once  deeply  Interested — but  whom 
the  recent  events  of  a  few  of  the  last  years  had  almost 
driven  from  my  memory. 

Having  landed  and    sold  what  hay  and  corn  I  had 

*  The  editor  is  unable  to  cast  any  light  upon  the  previous  acquaintance 
of  the  shipmaster  with  the  "  lovely  Mrs.  Ormsby."  It  is  possible  that  she 
may  have  been  somewhat  responsible  for  the  unhappy  condition  of  mind 
to  which  he  has  referred  as  clouding  his  younger  years. 


22  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

left — compleated  my  repairs  in  the  cheapest  and  best 
manner  possible,  I  cleared  out  the  Schooner  for  Hav- 
ana. I  can  find  no  opportunity  to  write  my  Northern 
friends  from  this  place  or  to  forward  my  protest. 

Havana,  July  Sth.  I  have  the  pleasure  of  meeting 
here  Capt.  B.  Smith  with  whom  I  took  passage  from  this 
place  in  Feby.  last,  and  who  is  one  of  my  present  owners. 
From  the  length  of  time  I  have  been  from  Bristol  I  ex- 
pected he  would  have  sailed  from  hence — but  it  seems 
there  has  been  an  embargo  here  for  some  time  which  has 
detained  him.  I  feel  happy  to  meet  him  on  many  ac- 
counts— as  a  friend  whom  I  esteem — as  a  man  to  whom 
I  am  under  obligations  for  his  civility  to  me  when  a 
stranger — and  as  an  owner  of  the  vessell  who  will  take 
some  trouble  off  my  hands. 

July  11th.  About  50  American  vessels  sailed  under 
convoy  of  the  Genl.  Greene  frigate  who  has  been  some 
time  here,  having  sprung  his  foretopmast  in  the  same 
gale  in  which  I  suffered.  I  waited  on  Capt.  Perry  and 
was  received  by  him  with  his  usual  politeness.  Capt. 
Smith  sailed  with  the  Convoy — by  him  I  wrote  Mr.  S. 
Bourn  enclosing  a  duplicate  of  my  protest — by  him  too 
I  took  the  liberty  of  writing  jointly  to  my  friends  Miss 
DeWolf  and  Miss  Smith. 

Havana,  Sunday,  July  14th.  Capt.  Smith  having 
left  directions  with  me  to  proceed  to  an  out  port  to 
load,  I  yesterday  hauled  up  to  the  Regla  to  repair  and 
take  in  Casks.  Last  evening  went  down  in  my  boat  to 
help  get  up  the  Neptune,  Capt.  Howland — a  beautiful 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  23 

still  and  moonlight  evening — and  when  about  9  o'clock 
Capt.  Howland  toasted  "  Our  Bristol  friends,"  I  pledged 
and  drank  it  with  a  double  relish  from  the  hope  that  at 
that  moment  I  should  be  remembered  by  them. 

June  17th.  Having  compleated  what  repairs  I  deem 
absolutely  necessary,  and  reed,  on  board  my  empty  Casks 
— this  morning  early  I  came  in  the  Schooner  from  the 
Regla  and  receiving  on  board  a  Spanish  pilot  at  6  p.m. 
weighed  and  made  sail  bound  to  Santa  Cruz* — having 
had  most  of  the  passage  a  strong  Current  against  us,  and 
part  of  the  time  quite  calm. 

Santa  Cruz,  Sunday,  July  91st.  The  port  of  Santa 
Cruz  is  about  6J  leagues  to  the  Leeward  of  the 
Matanzas  and  may  be  easily  found  by  a  remarkable  white 
rock  about  two  miles  to  windward! — a  little  from  the 
shore  on  the  ascent  to  the  highland  resembling  the  ruins 
of  an  old  castle — a  little  to  the  westward  of  this  and  nearer 
the  water  is  a  single  white  rock  resembling  a  Church 
steeple  with  the  spire  broken  off  or  a  sail  within  land. — As 
you  approach  the  shore  there  is  the  appearance  of  3  small 
rivers  at  no  great  distance  from  each  other — the  western- 
most is  Santa  Cruz.  It  is  the  mouth  of  a  fresh  water 
river — its  entrance  is  not  more  than  2  hundred  yards  wide. 
In  going  in  you  steer  S.S.E. — Good  Anchorage  in  2  fathom 

*  A  Cuban  port. 

f  Charts  were  imperfect  a  century  ago  and  navigation  as  much  guess- 
work as  science.  Therefore,  captains  made  a  habit  of  carefully  des- 
cribing land-falls  in  their  logs  and  journals  not  only  for  their  own  future 
use  but  also  to  assist  other  shipmasters  of  their  acquaintance  who  might 
be  bound  in  the  same  direction. 


24  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

water — the  Harbour  is  very  small  and  must  be  unsafe  in 
a  Northerly  wind — it  is  entirely  surrounded  by  rocks — 
there  is  no  settlement,  only  3  or  4  low  houses  or  huts  in 
sight — a  little  inland  are  some  fine  plantations  at  one  of 
which  at  2  miles  distance  we  get  our  Molasses. 

Having  loaded  the  vessell  with  Molasses  on  Thurs- 
day, July  25th  I  left  the  Mate  and  people  to  water  and 
prepare  for  Sea — and  with  a  Horse  and  guide  proceeded 
to  Havana  to  settle  my  accounts — passed  through  a  fine 
country  and  generally  good  roads — arrived  at  Havana 
same  evening,  the  distance  13  leagues. 

Saturday,  27th.  Having  compleated  my  business  at 
Havana  at  11  a.m.  set  out  with  my  guide  for  St.  Cruz. 
Was  stopped  by  a  Civil  Magistrate  called  the  Alcade 
Provincial  who  pretended  not  to  be  satisfied  with  my 
papers  and  after  treating  me  very  ill  detained  me  all 
night.  I  could  not  prevail  with  the  rascal  either  to  send 
me  back  to  Havana  for  examination  or  suffer  me  to  write 
there.  Finding  he  could  not  extort  Money  from  me,  he 
next  morning  after  robbing  me  of  my  Cash,  papers,  clothes, 
&c.  sent  me  to  prison  at  the  village  of  Alracore  where  by 
his  orders  we  were  both  put  in  irons  and  then  thrown  into 
a  Dungeon  and  confined  in  the  stocks. 

Sunday,  July  28th.  Notwithstanding  my  wretched 
situation  I  found  means  to  send  a  Letter  to  Don  Pedro 
Lavondo  at  Havana  who  immediately  came  to  see  me 
and  offered  every  assistance  in  his  power.  He  returned 
the  same  evening  to  Havana  and  next  night  came  again  to 
Alracore  having  procured  an  order  from  the  Governor 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  25 

for  my  release  and  restoration  of  my  property  which  was 
effected  next  morning.  I  immediately  took  leave  of  Don 
Pedro  whose  more  than  brotherly  kindness  on  this  occa- 
sion I  shall  never  forget.  He  with  every  one  else  that  I 
conversed  with  reprobated  in  strong  terms  the  conduct  of 
the  scoundrel  who  stopped  me. 

Tuesday,  July  30th.  Proceeded  with  my  guide  to  St. 
Cruz  and  arrived  there  at  5  p.m.  and  here  to  my  inex- 
pressible surprise  and  vexation  find  the  Schooner  gone 
to  Sea.  It  seems  a  report  of  my  being  detained  had 
reached  the  Mate — who  without  staying  to  investigate 
the  truth  of  it  instantly  cut  his  Cable  and  made  sail.  The 
fellow  must  have  been  frightened  out  of  his  senses.  I 
have  all  the  vesselVs  papers  and  my  clothes  &c.  are  on 
board — and  I  am  really  left  in  a  pretty  situation. 

After  the  cruel  scenes  I  have  just  been  thro* — to  find 
my  vessell  gone  in  this  manner  is  almost  too  much — there 
is  not  one  chance  in  ten  for  her  safe  arrival.  And  if 
raving  would  do  any  good  I  would  swear  roundly.  I 
believe  however  it  is  best  to  set  down  and  cool  myself 
with  the  reflection  that  Whatever  is,  is  right.  Having 
got  what  information  I  could  at  St.  Cruz  I  next  morning 
set  out  with  my  old  guide  for  Havana  and  arrived  at  4 
p.m.  I  immediately  made  a  protest  before  a  Spanish 
Notary  and  next  day  took  passage  on  the  Schooner 
Sphinx,  Capt.  Gorham,  bound  to  Boston. 

Friday,  August  2d.  The  Sphinx  sailed  from  Havana. 
On  the  4th  day  the  Mate  died  of  the  yellow  fever — the  ves- 
sell weak  manned — the  Capt.  ill  and  much  bad  weather 


26  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

renders  the  passage  very  disagreeable.  On  Saturday, 
August  24th  arrived  at  Holmes'  Hole  in  Martha's  Vine- 
yard having  had  a  pilot  on  board  for  7  days.  I  now  left 
the  Sphinx  and  went  aboard  the  Scr.  Hannah,  Captain 
Barlow  from  Machias  to  Newport.  Sailed  from  Holmes' 
Hole  Sunday,  August  25th,  wind  ahead  and  on  Tuesday 
at  3  p.m.  arrived  at  Newport.  Here  to  my  great  joy 
learned  that  the  Nancy  had  safe  arrived  some  days  ago — 
took  passage  immediately  for  Bristol  and  arrived  the  same 
evening. 

After  an  absence  of  3  months  I  have  at  length  reached 
my  destined  port.  The  situation  in  which  I  was  left  in 
Cuba  and  the  stories  reported  on  the  Nancy's  arrival 
here  had  interested  the  curiosity  of  every  one.  I  have 
the  pleasure  of  finding  the  few  friends  whom  I  love  all 
well,  and  find  myself  heartily  wellcomed  by  all  and  my 
Conduct  approved  by  my  owners. 

Wednesday,  Sept.  4th.  Went  with  a  small  party  to 
attend  Commencement  at  Providence.  Was  gratified 
with  the  exhibition — but  more  so  by  attending  the  theatre 
in  the  eveng.  to  see  the  performance  of  Lovers'  Vows — 
next  day  returned  to  Bristol. 

The  opinion  which  I  had  formed  of  this  place  and  its 
inhabitants  has  not  been  lessened  but  rather  gained 
strength  by  a  longer  acquaintance.  The  beautiful  situa- 
tion of  the  town — the  romantic  scenes  around  it — and  the 
variety  of  pleasing  prospects  which  the  adjacent  country 
affords — all  furnish  an  inexhaustible  fund  of  amusement 
for  a  contemplative  mind.     And  the  agreeable  circle  with 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  27 

whom  I  am  on  terms  of  intimacy  are  always  sure  to  interest 
my  social  feelings  so  far  that  the  heart  must  be  more 
deadened  to  social  joy  than  even  mine  that  could  not  find 
some  pleasure  in  such  society. 


28  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


III 

A  VOYAGE   IN   THE   SLAVE  TRADE 

THE  particulars  which  Captain  Russell  fails  to  furnish 
in  the  following  journal  of  a  slave  voyage  may  be 
readily  obtained  from  other  sources.  In  Munro's 
"History  of  the  Town  of  Bristol,"  for  instance,  the  method 
of  conducting  the  business  is  described: 

"The  early  employment  of  distilleries  shows  that  the 
people  of  Bristol  must  soon  have  ceased  to  draw  their 
slaves  from  the  West  Indies.  Nearly  all  the  owners  of  the 
distilleries  also  owned  many  vessels.  From  Cuba  a  cargo 
of  molasses  was  procured  and  quickly  converted  into  New 
England  rum.  From  the  distilleries  the  great  casks  went 
straight  to  the  hold  of  a  schooner  or  sloop  lying  at  a 
neighboring  wharf.  Some  light  goods  suited  to  the  bar- 
baric tastes  of  the  natives  of  the  coast  were  also  placed 
on  board,  and  the  vessel  was  cleared  for  the  coast  of 
Africa.  The  voyage  was  almost  always  a  long  one,  for 
the  vessels  were  built  to  carry  freight  and  not  for  speed; 
the  stay  upon  the  coast  was  tedious  (depending  greatly 
on  the  conditions  among  the  inland  tribes  from  whom  the 
captives  were  mostly  obtained).  One  by  one  the  hogs- 
heads of  rum  would  be  bartered  for  slaves  until  the  de- 
sired number  was  obtained,  and  then  the  captain  would 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  29 

sail  for  Cuba  or  one  of  the  neighboring  islands  (of  the 
West  Indies)  where  he  was  always  sure  of  a  ready  market 
for  his  cargo.  There  he  would  load  with  molasses  for 
Bristol,  and  so  the  round  voyage  would  be  completed." 

Captain  Russell  disliked  the  trade,  and  in  later  letters 
to  his  wife  declared  that  he  would  have  nothing  more 
to  do  with  it.  In  this  show  of  scruples  he  was  an  excep- 
tion to  the  majority  of  sailors  and  merchants  who  were 
more  of  the  state  of  mind  of  the  pious  Bristol  skipper  who 
wrote  home: 

"We  have  now  been  twenty  days  upon  the  coast,  and 
by  the  blessing  of  God  shall  soon  have  a  good  cargo." 

In  1800,  Representative  Brown,  of  Rhode  Island,  said 
in  debate :  "  We  want  money;  we  want  a  navy;  we  ought 
therefore  to  use  the  means  to  obtain  it.  .  .  .  Why 
should  we  see  Great  Britain  getting  all  the  slave  trade  to 
themselves — why  may  not  our  country  be  enriched  by 
that  lucrative  traffic?" 

Rhode  Island  was  getting  her  share  of  the  trade, 
however,  for  during  the  years,  1804-1807,  the  official  re- 
turns of  the  Charleston  (S.  C.)  custom  house  showed  that 
the  slave-ships  entering  from  Africa  comprised,  "from 
Connecticut,  1 ;  Boston,  1 ;  Norfolk,  2 ;  Baltimore,  4 ;  Rhode 
Island,  59;  Charleston,  61;  Sweden,  1;  France,  3;  Great 
Britain,  70."  Of  sixty-one  ships,  then,  hailing  from  North- 
ern ports  Rhode  Island  had  sent  out  all  but  two. 

In  1808  the  African  slave  trader  was  prohibited  by  law 
and  very  shortly  after  that  the  leading  nations  of  the  world 
united  in  efforts  to  suppress  it.     But  because  it  at  once 


30  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

became  more  profitable  than  ever,  men  continued  to  en- 
gage in  it.  Then  came  the  horrors  of  the  Middle  Pas- 
sage, the  recital  of  which*  even  now  curdles  the  blood. 
The  old  easy-going  and  comparatively  comfortable  vessels 
(of  Captain  Russell's  time)  were  abandoned  because 
unfitted  to  the  changed  conditions  of  the  business.  Ships 
built  for  speed  took  their  place.  It  was  the  fiendish 
cruelty  of  those  later  voyages  which  drew  upon  the  accursed 
traffic  the  execrations  of  the  civilized  world,  and  which 
covered  those  formerly  engaged  in  it,  with  a  load  of 
opprobium  which  they  did  not  wholly  deserve. 

One  of  James  De Wolf's  captains  wrote  him  in  1796 
from  St.  Thomas: 

"This  will  inform  you  of  my  arrival  in  this  port  safe 
with  seventy-eight  slaves.  I  lost  two  on  the  passage.  I 
had  sixty-two  days  passage.  I  found  times  very  bad  on 
the  coast.  Prime  slaves  are  one  hogshead  and  thirty  gal- 
lons of  rum,  or  seven  Joes  gold  (8  dol.)  and  boys  one 
hogshead  of  rum.  I  left  Capt.  Isaac  Manchester  at 
Amenebue  with  ninety  slaves  on  board.  I  shall  do  the 
best  I  can  and  without  other  orders  load  with  molasses 
and  return  to  Bristol.*' 

This  document  is  proof  that  in  the  early  days  of  the 
American  slave  trade,  captains  were  humane,  and  solicit- 
ous to  land  their  cargoes  without  loss.  A  vessel  in  which 
only  two  slaves  died  during  a  voyage  of  more  than  two 
months  must  have  been  equipped  and  laden  with  scru- 
pulous attention  to  the  health  and  comfort  of  its  human 
freight,  as  contrasted  with  the  later  era  when  the  helpless 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  31 

creatures  were  packed  "spoon  fashion"  between  decks 
no  more  than  three  feet  "in  the  clear." 

Captain  Russell  was  a  finer  type  of  man  than  the 
average  shipmaster  in  the  slave  trade  of  his  time,  and  his 
letters  indicate  that  he  was  heartily  glad  to  get  clear  of  it, 
even  with  the  loss  of  his  vessel  and  cargo  for  which  he 
mourns  almost  not  at  all.  In  fact,  one  must  read  closely 
between  the  lines  of  the  following  pages  to  perceive  the 
nature  of  this  voyage  of  the  schooner  Commerce.  The 
journal  begins  in  this  fashion: 

Bristol,  Sept.  16th,  1799.  I  this  day  took  charge  of  the 
Scr.  Commerce — she  is  to  be  new  sheathed  and  repaired. 
The  voyage  contemplated  is  a  hazardous  and  disagreeable 
one — but  promises  great  pecuniary  advantages — as  such  I 
am  induced  to  undertake  it.  To  Mr.  S.  Bourn,  one  of  the 
owners  of  the  Nancy  I  am  indebted  for  this  offer — that 
Gentleman's  attention  to  me  when  a  stranger  I  shall 
never  forget  and  I  hope  by  my  assiduity  in  business  to 
show  him  that  I  am  not  ungrateful. 

I  am  a  boarder  with  Mr.  Keith  and  have  not  felt  myself 
for  a  long  time  so  much  at  home  as  now.  The  family  con- 
sists of  himself  and  wife  and  a  little  nephew.  Mrs.  Keith 
is  certainly  one  of  the  first  of  women — The  utmost  neat- 
ness and  economy  in  housekeeping  and  unremitted  indus- 
try are  among  her  smallest  accomplishments.  Cheerful 
and  even  in  her  temper — fond  of  her  friends  and  with 
talent  to  adorn  social  Life — she  seems  born  to  be  the  de- 
light of  those  with  whom  she  is  connected.     How  often  do 


32  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I  wish  the  situation  of  this  couple  was  more  eligible  and 
how  often  am  I  tempted  in  their  behalf  to  rail  at  fortune — 
It  surely  does  not  lessen  Mrs.  Keith  in  my  opinion  that  she 
is  the  particular  and  intimate  friend  of  Miss  S.*  of  whom 
the  more  that  I  know  the  more  I  find  to  esteem.  Miss  S. 
is  now  a  resident  with  her  sister  lately  married  to  Capt. 
Munroe.  By  them  both  I  have  been  treated  with  much 
civility  and  even  friendship  and  the  hours  I  pass  at  their 
house  are  among  the  happiest  that  I  spend. 

Were  I  to  draw  a  picture  of  Miss  S.  such  as  she  appears 
to  me — J  should  say — She  is  not  a  beauty — yet  in  her 
presence  beauties  would  be  discontented  with  themselves — At 
first  she  scarcely  appears  pretty — but  the  more  she  is  known 
the  more  agreeable  she  appears — she  gains  when  others 
lose — and  what  she  gains  she  never  loses — Without  much 
knowledge  of  the  world  she  is  attentive,  obliging,  and  grace- 
ful in  all  she  does. 

If  I  proceed  I  may  possibly  fall  in  love  with  the  picture — 
and  yet — where  can  be  the  danger — any  picture  that  I  can 
possibly  draw  of  this  amiable  girl  must  fall  far  short  of  the 
original 

Thursday,  Octo.  17th,  1799.  Sailed  from  Bristol  in 
Schooner  Commerce  bound  to  Boston.  Left  the  Wharf 
at  Bristol  at  9  a.m.  wind  N.W.  went  thro'  Sogkonate 
passage — fresh  breeze  all  day — At  5  p.m.  came  to  anchor 
in  the  Harbour  of  Holmes'  Hole,  Martha's  Vineyard. 

Saturday,  Octor.  19th.  Sailed  from  Holmes'  Hole  in 
company  with  26  vessells.  Weighed  anchor  at  9  a.m. 
*  Nancy  Smith. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  33 

Wind  at  S.  soon  hauled  to  S.W,  by  S. — pleasant  breeze  all 
day  and  night.  At  5  a.m.  on  Sunday,  Octor.  20th  came 
to  anchor  in  the  harbor  of  Boston — being  considerably 
ahead  of  the  fleet.  Mr.  John  Parker  to  whom  I  was  con- 
signed not  being  in  town,  I  went  to  his  seat  in  Roxbury — 
dined  there  and  in  the  afternoon  returned. 

Boston,  Monday,  Octor.  21st.  At  5  a.m.  hauled  in  to 
Long-wharf — but  being  ebb  tide  could  not  get  to  our 
place  of  discharge.  Entered  at  the  Custom  House — 
towards  night  hauled  up  to  a  wharf  and  prepared  to 
discharge.  In  the  evening  accompanied  Capt.  James 
DeWolf  to  the  Theatre — where  I  unexpectedly  met  one 
of  my  former  Neighbors  in  New  Hampshire — with  whom  I 
had  a  long  and  interesting  conversation  and  the  opportu- 
nity it  afforded  of  making  particular  inquiries  concerning 
my  numerous  and  respected  friends  in  that  country 
afforded  me  more  pleasure  than  I  have  for  a  long  time 
experienced. 

Tuesday,  Octor.  %%nd.  This  evening  Capt.  Smith  and 
Mr.  Bourn  arrived  by  land  from  Bristol  to  assist  me  in 
fitting  out — remainder  of  the  week  spent  in  unloading  the 
Molasses  I  brought  from  Bristol  and  receiving  another 
cargo* — Went    several    evenings    to    the    Theatre    with 

*  What  goods  were  used  in  the  slave  trade  has  been  recorded  in  many 
official  documents.  Here  is  a  summary  of  the  bill  of  lading  of  the  Sierra 
Leone,  a  Yankee  slaver  of  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century: 

"  Shipped  by  the  Grace  of  God  in  good  Order  and  well  conditioned 
by  William  Johnson  &  Co.,  owners  of  the  said  schooner  whereof  is 
master  under  God  for  this  present  voyage,  David  Lindsay  &  now  riding 
at  Anchor  in  the  harbor  of  Newport,  &  by  God's  grace  bound  for  the 


34  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Messrs.  S.  and  B. — saw  the  Castle  Spectre  performed — 
and  "  Count  Bengowthi "  a  play  of  the  Celebrated  Kotze- 
bue. 

Boston,  Thursday,  Odor.  31st.  In  the  morning  Messrs. 
Smith  and  Bourn  took  the  Stage  for  Bristol — and 
the  Commerce  being  ready  for  Sea  at  4  p.m.  took  on  board 
a  pilot — weighed  and  made  sail — Wind  W.N.W.  At  half 
past  6  discharged  the  pilot  opposite  the  Light  house 

At  8  p.m.  the  light  bore  West  distant  2  leagues.  At  11 
p.m.  carried  away  our  Main  gaft — fresh  breeze  and  heavy 
sea  all  night.  Next  day  employed  in  taking  the  jaws 
from  the  old  Gaft  and  fixing  on  a  new  one — attended  with 
difficulty  for  want  of  proper  tools.  Fresh  breeze  and 
heavy  sea — almost  every  man  more  or  less  sea-sick — for 
several  days  rainy  rough  and  disagreeable  weather — but 
the  wind  being  so  that  we  can  lay  our  course  we  do  not 
so  much  mind  other  inconveniences. 

coast  of  Africa,  etc.  The  usual  list  of  rum,  food  and  shackles  follows 
with  'sixty  musketts,  six  half  Barrels  Powder,'  and  so  on,  the  bill  ending 
at  last  with  these  words:  'And  so  God  send  the  good  Schooner  to  her 
desired  port  in  safety.  Amen.'" — The  American  Slave  Trade,  by  John 
R.  Spears. 

In  1801  when  the  prices  on  the  slave-coast  were  at  the  highest,  the 
following  goods  were  given  for  one  prime  slave: 

"One  piece  of  chintz,  18  yards  long;  one  piece  of  baft,  18  yards  long; 
one  piece  of  chelloe,  18  yards  long;  one  piece  of  bandanoe;  seven  hand- 
kerchiefs; one  piece  of  niccannee,  14  yards  long;  one  piece  of  cushtae, 
14  yards  long;  three  pieces  of  romalls;  forty-five  handkerchiefs;  one 
large  brass  pan;  two  muskets;  twenty-five  kegs  powder;  100  flints; 
two  bags  of  shots;  twenty  knives;  four  iron  pots;  four  hats;  four  caps; 
four  cutlasses;  six  bunches  beads;  fourteen  gallons  brandy.  The  total 
cost  of  the  articles  were  £25." — The  American  Slave  Trade. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  35 

At  Sea — Tuesday,  Novr.  5th.  A  fine  clear  day  succeeds 
to  a  rainy  and  boisterous  night — towards  evening  it  grows 
smooth  and  after  Sunset  the  Moon  appears  beautifully 
serene.  An  evening  like  this  naturally  leads  my  thoughts 
to  my  friends  on  shore.  My  lovely  Niece  is  perhaps  now 
enjoying  herself  on  the  banks  of  the  Lehigh  and  casting 
many  an  anxious  thought  towards  her  absent  Uncle. 
May  peace  and  happiness  be  yours  my  dear  child  and  may 
the  calm  of  conscious  innocence  ever  preside  in  your  breast. 
We  have  had  several  delightful  nights — the  Moon  near  her 
full — and  the  weather  in  general  mild  and  clear — inter- 
spersed however  with  squalls  of  wind  and  rain.  Thus  it 
is  too  in  the  great  voyage  of  life,  our  passage  is  chequered 
with  rough  as  well  as  pleasant  weather — and  our  course 
marked  with  variety  and  change.  'Tis  to  this  circum- 
stance that  we  owe  no  inconsiderable  part  of  our  happiness. 
If  Life  was  one  unvarying  scene  even  of  pleasure  it  would 
soon  clog,  and  listlessness  and  languor  would  depress  us. 
But  in  this  unceasing  change  there  is  food  for  the  activity 
of  our  Minds,  and  by  passing  thro'  Difficulty  and  Danger 
we  are  prepared  to  receive  with  a  higher  relish  the  more 
pleasureable  scenes  that  may  await  us.  Interest,  there- 
fore, as  well  as  the  sacred  principle  of  Duty  should  teach 
us  to  receive  every  allotment  in  humble  submission  to 
Him  who  ordereth  all  aright. 

Sunday,  Novr.  10th.  The  last  24  hours  we  have  had 
a  very  fine  run — having  made  on  a  due  East  course 
156  miles  distance.  This  morning  I  called  all  hands  aft 
and  read  to  them  some  parts  of  the  prayers  and  morning 


36  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

service  appointed  by  the  Episcopal  Church  and  informed 
them  that  it  was  my  intention  to  repeat  the  same  every 
Sunday  during  the  Voyage  when  the  necessary  avocations 
on  board  would  permit.  This  appeared  odd  to  some  of 
my  people  and  probably  would  appear  so  to  many  others. 
I  however  never  intend  to  neglect  the  practice  of  any 
Duty  for  fear  of  appearing  singular — and  if  the  worship 
of  the  Deity  is  a  duty  it  surely  does  not  cease  to  be  so 
because  we  are  at  Sea.  And  setting  aside  everything  that 
relates  to  the  religious  or  moral  part  of  the  business — I 
can  find  sufficient  inducements  to  this  practice  at  Sea  by 
the  obligation  that  each  individual  finds  himself  under  of 
appearing  clean  and  decent  once  a  week.  I  remember  too 
what  Goldsmith  said  on  a  similar  occasion — that  if  there 
is  anything  ridiculous  in  the  novelty  of  the  attempt, 
.     .     .     (illegible  in  MS.) 

I  found  in  a  late  Boston  newspaper,  the  following 
Ballad,  which  I  very  much  admire,  both  for  its  beautiful 
simplicity  of  expression  and  for  the  excellent  morality 
which  it  contains.     It  is  called : 

♦FATHER   DENNIS'    COMFORTS   AND   HOW   HE 
CAME    BY    THEM 

You  are  old,  Father  Dennis,  the  young  man  said 
Your  locks  that  are  left  are  quite  grey 
You  are  hale  Father  Dennis,  a  hearty  old  man 
Now  tell  me  the  reason  I  pray. 

*  This  poem  was  written  by  Southey  in  the  same  year  (1799)  in  which 
this  version  of  it  appeared  in  a  Boston  newspaper  as  quoted  by  Captain 
Russell.     Oddly  enough,  and  for  unknown  reasons,  the  poem  had  suf- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  37 

In  the  days  of  my  youth,  Father  Dennis  replied 
I  remembered  that  youth  would  fly  fast 

And  abused  not  my  health  and  my  vigor  at  first 
That  I  never  might  want  them  at  last 

You  are  old  Father  Dennis,  the  young  man  said 

And  pleasures  with  youth  pass  away 
And  yet  you  regret  not  the  days  that  are  gone 

Now  tell  me  the  reason  I  pray. 

In  the  days  of  my  youth  Father  Dennis  replied 
I  remembered  that  youth  could  not  last 

So  I  thought  of  the  Future  whatever  I  did 
That  I  never  might  grieve  for  the  Past. 

You  are  old  Father  Dennis,  the  young  man  said 

And  life  must  be  hastening  away 
You  are  cheerful  and  love  to  converse  upon  Death 

Now  tell  me  the  reason  I  pray. 

fered  a  sea-change.  As  Southey  wrote  it,  these  well-known  verses  are 
called:  "The  Old  Man's  Comforts  and  How  He  Gained  Them." 
They  begin : 

"  You  are  old,  Father  William,"  the  young  man  cried, 
"  The  few  locks  which  are  left  you  are  gray: 
You  are  hale,  Father  William,  a  hearty  old  man; 
Now  tell  me  the  reason,  I  pray." 

Father  William  became  "  Father  Dennis  "  during  his  passage  across 
the  Atlantic  in  1799,  but  otherwise  the  poem  is  substantially  unchanged. 
Of  course  the  parody  in  "  Alice  in  Wonderland "  is  more  familiar  to 
modern  readers  than  the  extremely  didactic  verses  of  Southey.  These 
latter  would  strongly  appeal  to  Captain  John  Russell,  godly  mariner 
that  he  was,  "  for  the  excellent  morality "  with  which  they  are  sur- 
charged. 


38  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I  am  cheerful  indeed  Father  Dennis  replied 

Let  the  cause  thy  attention  engage. 
In  the  days  of  my  youth  I  remembered  my  God 

And  my  God  has  remembered  my  age. 

Friday,  Now.  15th.  For  several  days  past  the  wind 
has  been  S.E.  to  S.b.E.  and  quite  light — from  observations 
yesterday  and  to-day  I  suspected  that  there  was  consider- 
able current — and  at  2  p.m.  this  day  lowered  down  the 
yawl  and  on  trial  find  a  current  setting  N.N.E.  about  one 
Knot  per  hour — the  wind  still  unfavorable — but  the 
weather  very  pleasant.  The  nights  in  particular  being 
remarkably  fine — I  spend  a  large  part  of  them  on  Deck 
walking — viewing  the  Moon  and  smoking  a  segar  at 
intervals — having  but  few  books  and  little  leisure  in  the 
day  time  for  reading.  I  find  much  satisfaction  now  in 
recurring  to  the  store  house  of  my  memory  and  reviewing 
again  what  I  have  formerly  read.  Nature  in  this  respect 
has  been  bountiful  to  me,  my  memory  rarely  failing.  I 
relieve  it  at  times  by  suffering  Imagination  to  take  the 
reins  and  sport  in  Reason's  seat.  Building  castles  in  the 
air  has  often  been  ridiculed  but  it  is  a  source  whence  I 
think  considerable  happiness  may  be  drawn.  No  enjoy- 
ments are  more  free  from  alloy  than  those  of  the  imagina- 
tion for  in  these  cases  we  throw  Nature  out  of  the  question 
and  cook  the  dish  according  to  our  own  liking.  This 
sportive  power  frequently  leads  me  back  to  Bristol  where 
I  have  certainly  spent  some  very  happy  hours.  I  fancy 
myself  again  in  the  society  of  those  I  love — conversing  in 
the  cheerful  circle  or  rambling  by  the  light  of  the  Moon 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  39 

and  chatting  upon  such  subjects  as  the  surrounding 
scenes  naturally  excite.  Again  She  wafts  me  to  other 
climates — at  her  command  Fortune  smiles  and  Wealth 
pours  in  upon  me  in  abundance.  Kindly  then,  she  con- 
ducts me  back  to  my  Dear  loved  country — where  manly 
independence,  health,  and  happiness  await  me 

Oh  enviable,  spotless  days 

Dancing  in  Fancy's  giddy  maze 
To  care,  to  guilt  unknown. 

How  ill  exchanged  for  real  times 
To  feel  the  follies  or  the  crimes 

Of  others  or  my  own. 

Sunday,  Novr.  17th.  Last  night  the  wind  changed  to 
N.  W.  accompanied  with  squalls  of  rain  and  wind  which 
have  continued  with  short  intervals  ever  since — blowing 
most  of  the  time  a  severe  gale.  For  40  hours  past  we  have 
been  running  under  close  reef 'd  main  sail  and  the  head  of 
the  jib  and  frequently  obliged  to  have  all  the  Mainsail 
down.  There  is  now  a  very  heavy  sea  running  and  fre- 
quent squalls  of  wind  and  rain.  Our  water  Casks  on 
board  have  broke  loose — but  we  have  yet  been  able  to 
secure  them — the  wind  is  mostly  at  W.N.W.  and  though 
such  weather  is  disagreeable  yet  it  enables  us  to  make  a 
fine  run.  Continued  blowing  heavy  with  frequent  squalls 
of  rain  till  Wednesday  Novr.  20th.  About  noon  the  gale 
had  so  far  abated  as  to  allow  us  to  set  whole  mainsail — 
squaresail  and  topsail — some  squalls  of  rain  afterwards. 
The  wind  W.N.W.  a  fine  breeze. 


40  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Saturday,  Novr.  23rd.  This  is  the  first  time  for  many 
days  past  that  we  have  had  moderate  weather — last  night 
after  an  hour  or  two  nearly  calm  the  wind  shifted  to  N.E. 
and  blowing  a  steady  moderate  breeze,  there  is  little  doubt 
of  our  being  now  in  the  regular  trade  wind. 

Monday,  Novr.  25th.  This  day  we  crossed  the  tropic 
of  Cancer  and  having  three  hands  on  board  who  never 
crossed  it  before  the  usual  ceremonies  of  shaving, 
ducking  &c.  were  practised — a  fine  regular  breeze  still 
continues. 

Wednesday,  Novr.  27th.  Both  yesterday  and  this  morn- 
ing we  are  on  colour'd  water  but  could  not  get  bottom 
with  a  line  of  50  fathom.  Lat.  in  by  obser.  this  day  19° 
and  26'  N.  Long,  by  computation  27°  14'  W.  At  2  p.m. 
deepened  our  water — this  afternoon  we  caught  3  large 
Bonitoes — these  are  the  first  fish  wo  have  caught  on  our 
passage 

Thursday,  28th.  I  had  hopes  to-day  of  making  the 
Northernmost  of  the  Cape  Verd  Islands  but  have  been 
disappointed — At  Meridian  hauled  our  wind  and  stood 
S.E.  In  the  evening  a  large  number  of  porpoises  round 
us — they  are  the  first  we  have  seen  since  we  left  the 
American  Coast. 

Friday,  29th.  Again  anxiously  looking  out  for  land 
without  success — both  yesterday  and  to-day  on  coloured 
water.  From  the  courses  I  have  steered  since  we  were 
first  on  coloured  water  I  have  great  hopes  of  making  the 
main  Land  to  the  Northwd.  of  Cape  Verd  and  not  to  see 
the  islands  at  all. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  41 

Saturday,  30th  Novr.  Last  evening  at  half  past  8  made 
land  ahead — breakers  in  sight — wore  ship  and  stood  off 
till  11 — then  hove  too.  It  being  low  land  I  am  satisfied 
it  is  the  Continent  of  Africa.  At  day  break  made  sail,  the 
land  in  sight — being  low  with  some  sand  hills — white 
sandy  beach — stood  S.W.b.W.  as  the  land  tended.  At 
9  a.m.  were  abreast  of  two  round  hills  or  hummucks  sup- 
posed to  be  the  Little  Paps,  so  called — which  are  about  40 
miles  to  Windward  of  Cape  Verd — Jibbed  ship  and  stood 
West — the  land  tending  nearly  the  same  course.  At 
Meridan  the  Paps  near  the  extreme  point  of  Cape  Verd 
bore  S.S.W.  distant  3  leagues — these  are  much  higher  land 
than  the  Lesser  Paps  and  appear  to  be  about  5  miles  from 
the  pitch  of  the  Cape. 

As  you  approach  Cape  Verd  from  the  North — the  2 
hummucks  called  the  Paps  appear  much  like  those  near 
Havana,  the  North  Mt.  lowest.  When  it  bears  E.S.E. 
distant  5  leagues  you  can  see  but  one  hummuck — when  it 
bears  East  and  from  that  to  N.E.  you  see  both — the 
South  Mt.  appearing  lowest — Soundings  do  not  extend 
more  than  5  leagues  west  from  the  Cape. 

Sunday,  Decemr.  1st  At  1  a.m.  found  we  had  only 
20  fathom  water — it  being  very  dark  and  the  Mate  confi- 
dent he  saw  the  land,  shortened  sail,  wore — and  stood  off 
W.b.N.  under  Jib  and  fore  sail.  I  thought  it  hardly  pos- 
sible that  we  could  already  be  in  with  the  land — the  wind 
having  been  light — but  chusing  to  run  safe  stood  off  till 
5  a.m.  then  wore — made  sail  and  stood  S.E.b.E.  wind 
light — At  2  p.m.  again  made  land  ahead. 


42  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Lat.  in  this  day  by  observ.  13°  28'  N.  At  3  p.m.  saw 
Cape  Mary  upon  our  weather  bow  hauled  our  wind  and 
stood  N.E.b.E.  leaving  the  Tangu  rocks  about  a  mile 
under  our  lee — At  6  p.m.  came  to  anchor  in  4j  fathom 
water — Cape  St.  Marys  bearing  East  distant  about  2J 
leagues.  Thus  after  a  passage  of  31  days  from  Boston 
we  are  at  anchor  at  the  entrance  of  Gambia  river.* 

Monday,  Deer.  2nd.  At  6  a.m.  got  under  way — stood 
E.  finding  we  could  not  weather  Cape  St.  Marys  at  8 
tack'd  and  stood  N.W.b.W.  and  at  10  again  tack'd  and 
stood  in  for  the  Cape,  determined  to  try  the  South  Channel. 

When  almost  up  with  Bunyan's  Point  saw  breakers  on 

*  "The  chief  source  of  supply  for  the  devouring  slave-market  of  the 
West  throughout  the  whole  history  of  the  trade  and  practically  the  only 
source  during  the  years  when  the  trade  was  legal,  was  found  along  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  Africa,  between  Cape  Verd  at  the  north  and  Benguela 
or  Cape  St.  Martha  at  the  South.  The  sea  here  makes  a  great  scoop 
into  the  land  as  if  the  Brazilian  part  of  the  South  American  continent 
had  been  broken  out  of  the  hollow  in  the  African  coast.  Two  great 
rivers  and  a  host  of  smaller  streams  come  down  to  the  sea  within  its 
limits,  and  its  contour,  as  a  whole  is  that  of  a  mighty  gulf,  but  there 
is  neither  bay  nor  inlet  throughout  its  whole  extent  to  form  a  good 
harbor  for  shipping.  .  .  .  The  land  at  the  beach  is  almost  every- 
where low,  even  though  hills  and  mountains  may  be  seen  flooded  with  a 
dreamy  haze,  in  the  distance.  The  rivers  wind  about  through  un- 
counted channels  in  low  delta  lands  covered  with  masses  of  mangrove 
and  palm  trees,  and  haunted  by  poisonous  and  vicious  reptiles.  The 
yellowish  sand  of  the  sea  and  the  black  washings  of  the  uplands  mingle 
to  form  low,  tawny  beaches  and  dunes  where  the  river  currents  are  beaten 
back  by  the  ever-present  and  ever-treacherous  surf.  Goree  and  Gambia, 
Sierra  Leone  and  Liberia,  the  Bight  of  Benin,  and  the  Bight  of  Biafra, 
Bonny  and  Calabar,  Anamaboe  and  Ambriz,  the  Congo  and  St.  Paul 
de  Loango  are  all  familiar  names  to  the  students  of  slave-coast  litera- 
ture."— The  American  Slave  Trade. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  43 

the  middle  ground  to  windwd.  The  Channel  as  laid  down 
in  the  Charts  is  here  very  narrow — and  bold  water  close 
in  with  the  point.  Keeping  away  a  little  to  avoid  the 
breakers,  the  man  in  the  chains  suddenly  sung  out "  quarter 
less  twain,"  and  we  instantly  struck.  The  wind  not  blow- 
ing fresh  and  being  very  near  the  beach  just  to  the  leeward 
of  Bunyan's  Point — we  supposed  by  the  appearance  of  the 
shore  it  was  near  low  water,  and  of  course  that  we  should 
float  at  high  water.  It  was  4  p.m.  when  we  struck — 
saw  several  Negroes  on  the  beach — lowered  the  yawl  and 
sounding,  we  found  we  had  deeper  water  all  around  us. 
At  9  p.m.  found  the  tide,  which  was  setting  rapidly  in, 
swung  our  head  fast  on  shore  and  that  we  hung  only 
astern,  took  in  flying  jib — fore  top-mast  stay-sail  and  top- 
gallant sail — then  jib.     She  slowly  floated. 

Stood  East  a  short  time — then  S.E.  half  an  hour  and 
came  to  anchor  in  6 J  fathom  water  at  10  p.m.  rejoicing  at 
our  narrow  escape. 

Tuesday,  Deer.  3rd.  At  6  a.m.  got  under  way.  At  4 
p.m.  came  to  anchor  off  the  town  of  Gillfrei,  which  is 
on  the  north  side  of  the  river*  and  nearly  opposite  James 
Island.  Just  below  is  the  town  of  Albreda  which  is  called 
the  French  town  and  Gillfrei  the  English  town — both 
however  inhabited  only  by  the  natives.  Several  canoes 
came  off  in  one  of  which  was  a  linguisterf  with  whom  I 
went  ashore  to  the  head  man  of  the  Village,  the  Al- 
cade,  so  called,  being  up  the  river  but  is  expected  to- 
morrow. 

*  Gambia  River.  f  Interpreter. 


44  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

James  Island  is  a  very  small  spot  of  land  in  the  middle 
of  the  river — now  entirely  deserted — but  is  a  place  where 
"  moulders  many  a  gallant  heart " — having  been  formerly 
fortified  by  the  English  who  stationed  there  a  considerable 
number  of  troops,  thousands  of  whom  perished  owing  to 
the  unhealthiness  of  the  Climate. 

Wednesday,  Deer.  Uh.  The  Alcade  not  arrived  though 
hourly  expected — no  trade  can  be  made  before  he  comes. 
Several  of  the  natives  on  board  from  Gillfrei  and  some 
traders  from  neighboring  villages.  Went  ashore  and 
walked  some  distance — the  country  appears  very  pleasant, 
abounding  with  rice,  yams,  Guinea  corn,  pumpkins — 
plantains  and  a  variety  of  tropical  fruit.  Gillfrei  is  a 
large  village  and  contains  several  thousand  inhabitants. 

Thursday,  5th.  This  day  I  went  by  land  to  Albreda* — 
'tis  not  much  more  than  a  mile  below  Gillfrei  and  is  a 
larger  town.  'Tis  surrounded  with  gardens,  in  which  are 
pumpkins  of  various  kinds — plantains,  limes,  sweet  pota- 
toes and  such  quantities  of  onions  as  almost  to  vie  with 
Wethersfield  or  Bristol. 

Friday,  6th.  In  morning  went  in  boat  to  James  Island 
— viewed  the  ruins  of  the  fortifications  and  brought  off 
some  brick  to  set  in  the  Caboose. 

Saturday,  7th.  The  Alcade  not  yet  arrived,  but  the 
King's  people  having  come,  settled  with  them  the  Customs 
and  Duties. 

Sunday,  Sth.     In  afternoon  went  in  boat  to  Seca,  a 

*  Albreda  is  to-day  a  trading  station  of  British  West  Africa,  exporting 
peanuts  and  copra.    The  population  is  about  2,000. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  45 

town  about  4  miles  up  the  river.     A  Danish  Schooner 
came  down  the  river  and  anchored  near  James  Island 

Monday,  9th  Deer.  Went  on  board  the  Danish  Scr., 
Capt.  Bates — She  is  nearly  ready  to  leave  the  river.  Dis- 
charg'd  some  of  our  Cargo  to-day.  Saw  the  Alcade  who 
arrived  last  night. 

Tuesday,  10th.  Employ 'd  in  trading  off  and  discharg- 
ing part  of  the  Cargo.  ' 

Friday,  ISth.  Having  compleated  what  business  I  in- 
tended at  Gillfrei — at  sunset  weighed  anchor  and  made  sail 
up  the  river — in  about  an  hour  dropt  anchor  opposite 
Seca. 

Sunday,  15th.  At  9  a.m.  weighed  and  made  sail, 
light  breeze  down  the  river — beat  up  till  the  flood  tide  had 
done  and  at  2  p.m.  dropt  anchor  just  above  Vinton 
Creek.  At  10  p.m.  made  sail  again  and  at  12  came  to 
anchor  opposite  Tankrowa — 

Monday,  Deer.  16th.  Tankrowa — opposite  which  we 
now  lay  is  on  the  South  side  of  the  river,  about  40  miles 
above  Gillfrei — It  is  the  largest  and  best  situated  town 
that  I  have  seen  on  the  river.  I  here  found  an  unexpected 
treat,  viz.  some  fresh  Butter,  which  though  without  salt 
is  really  very  good. 

Tuesday,  Deer.  17th.  Having  made  some  trade*  at 
Tankrowa,  at  12  this  day  weighed  and  proceeded  up  the 
river — sometimes  with  a  boat  towing  ahead,  and  making 
sail  when  the  wind  would  admit.  In  the  night  passed 
the  town  of  Tandebar. 

*  Meaning  slaves. 


46  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Wednesday,  Deer.  18th.  At  8  a.m.  the  flood  tide  being 
spent  dropt  anchor  just  above  Devil's  point.  Here  are 
several  of  the  trees  called  the  Monkey-bread-tree,  the 
fruit  of  which  has  a  very  agreeable  taste.  I  measured  the 
body  of  one  of  these  trees  about  4  feet  from  the  ground 
and  found  it  to  be  of  the  enormous  size  of  10  fathom*  in 
circumference.  When  the  flood  tide  made  in  the  after- 
noon proceeded  up — the  river  grows  narrow  and  our 
progress  is  slow — the  river  being  very  crooked  we  rarely 
have  a  fair  wind. 

Friday,  Deer.  20th.  Continued  our  course  up  the  river 
— it  grows  narrower  and  is  very  crooked — passed  several 
Islands  to-day — plenty  of  birds  around  us  of  which  we 
shot  several.  Since  passing  Devil's  Point  we  are  in  fresh 
water — Alligators  begin  to  show  themselves  along  the 
shore — At  9  p.m.  came  to  anchor  opposite  the  town  of 
Cowa,  a  large  town  on  the  North  side  of  the  river.  It  is 
about  half  a  league  from  the  water.  Between  the  town 
and  the  shore  is  a  large  rice  swamp  to  pass  through  which 
is  difficult  and  disagreeable.  I  staid  here  all  this  day — 
endeavoring  but  in  vain  to  make  some  trade. t 

Sunday,  Deer.  22nd.  Last  evening  at  7  weighed  anchor 
and  proceeded  up  the  river.  It  grows  narrower  and  is 
very  crooked  which  makes  our  progress  slow.  The 
land  at  a  distance  begins  to  appear  hilly — but  near 
the  shore  is  generally  very  low.  We  are  visited  with 
swarms  of  musketoes,  and  they  are  by  far  the  worst  I 
ever  saw  notwithstanding  I  wear  thick  cotton  stockings 
*  60  feet.  f  Bartering  cargo  for  slaves. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  47 

and  trowsers  over  them.  I  am  from  my  hips  downward 
completely  scarified  —  wherever  they  touch  they  leave  a 
bunch  as  large  as  a  pea  which  continues  many  days  with 
a  most  intolerable  itching.  In  addition  to  the  agreeable 
music  which  these  insects  make,  we  are  regaled  with  the 
delightful  screaming  of  various  kinds  of  birds — the  alliga- 
tor's hoarse  voice  too  is  frequently  heard  and  at  night  the 
howling  of  the  wolf  and  sometimes  the  roaring  of  the  dis- 
tant Lion  helps  to  compleat  the  concert 

Monday,  Deer.  %3d.  The  river  growing  very  narrow, 
passed  several  islands — the  banks  begin  to  look  pleasanter 
— and  a  fair  wind  most  of  the  day  and  in  the  evening  came 
to  anchor  at  Chieye. 

Tuesday,  Deer.  %Mh.  Here  I  found  an  English  Cutter, 
Capt.  Grandison,  who  came  into  the  river  a  few  days  be- 
fore me.  At  this  place  lives  Capt.  Tye,  an  Englishman, 
who  is  now  the  only  white  man  that  lives  on  the  river. 
Here  too  I  met  Bob  and  George  Ansel — two  mulattoes, 
who  reside  farther  up  the  river — with  them  and  Capt.  Tye 
I  bargained  for  my  remaining  Cargo. 

Wednesday,  Deer.  25th.  Being  Christmas  gave  a  holi- 
day to  all  hands.  I  dined  on  shore  at  Capt.  Tye's,  in 
company  with  Capt.  Grandison.  Spent  the  day  and 
evening  pleasantly,  casting  however  many  an  anxious 
thought  to  my  native  country  and  the  friends  whom  this 
festival  will  call  together. 

Thursday,  26th.  Employ'd  in  discharging  some  part  of 
the  Cargo  &c.  Having  cleared  the  forward  part  of  the 
hold,  began  to  stow  our  water  Casks  and  fill  with  water. 


48  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Saturday,  %8th.  Employed  in  discharging  more  of 
the  Cargo,  cleaning  the  hold,  filling  water  &c.  The 
place  where  we  lay  now  is  about  2  miles  above  Chieye — 
properly  so  called.  This  being  the  residence  of  Capt.  Tye, 
is  called  the  New-Port.  On  Sunday,  29th,  went  with 
Capt.  Tye,  by  land  to  Chieye,  spent  the  day  and  had  an 
excellent  Dinner,  at  the  house  of  Aberdeen,  a  native  who 
together  with  his  wife  having  mixed  much  with  the 
English  who  formerly  resided  here,  now  speak  the  lan- 
guage tolerably  and  set  their  table  &c.  in  quite  decent 
style. 

Deer.  SO-Slst.  Mr.  Dean,  a  mulatto,  who  lives  up  the 
river  came  down  and  traded. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  49 


IV 

A  voyage  in  the  slave  trade  {Continued) 

Wednesday,  J  any.  1st.  1800. 

THE  commencement  of  a  New  Year  and  a  new 
Century.  This  is  commonly  a  day  of  rejoicing 
among  civilized  people,  a  day  of  greeting  and  good 
wishes  among  friends.  But  between  me  and  my  friends 
(if  I  have  any)  rolls  the  immense  Atlantic.  Yes,  I  com- 
mence the  New  Year  500  miles  in  the  interior  of  Africa. 
Well — what  of  that — tho'  far  distant  from  the  country 
that  gave  me  birth,  tho'  separated  from  the  friends  I  love — 
yet  my  warmest  wishes  are  with  them — and  the  same 
Benign  Power  to  whom  I  commend  them,  I  trust  will  still 
protect  me — wherever  I  wander. 

In  the  evening  went  with  Capt.  Tye  in  his  sloop  to 
Tuncacunda — a  port  about  6  leagues  up  the  river.  Was 
present  at  a  Mundingo  wedding  and  much  diverted  with 
the  novelty  of  the  scene. 

Saturday,  J  any.  Uh.  Early  in  the  morning  returned 
from  Tuncacunda — and  having  received  on  board  several 
passengers*  prepared  to  go  down  the  river  to-morrow. 

Sunday,  Jany.  5th.  At  2  p.m.  there  being  a  fresh 
breeze  down  the  river,  weighed  and  made  sail  from  New- 
port— flood  tide  against  us.     The  breeze  soon  failing  dropt 

*  Slaves. 


50  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

anchor  and  waited  till  ebb  tide — then  with  a  boat  ahead 
proceeded. 

Monday,  Jany.  6th.  Proceeded  down  the  river — At 
day  break  a  Canoe  came  along-side  and  brought  me  a  note 
from  Capt.  N.  Gladding  informing  me  of  his  arrival  in  a 
Sloop  from  Bristol — that  he  was  proceeding  up  the  river 
— that  he  left,  our  Bristol  friends  all  well  &c. 

Tuesday,  Jany.  7th.  Just  above  Cowa  met  Capt. 
Gladding — we  both  came  to — spent  several  hours  in 
conversation  with  him.  Altho'  only  one  month  later 
than  me  from  Bristol  yet  it  gave  me  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion to  hear  of  the  welfare  of  my  friends.  In  the  evening 
he  proceeded  up  the  river  and  I  went  on  to  Cowa.  My 
Cooper  and  Cook  both  unwell,  to-day  I  gave  the  former 
an  emetic. 

Wednesday,  Jany.  Sth.  At  Meridian  weighed  and  made 
sail — with  a  fine  breeze,  and  at  8  p.m.  came  too  off 
Dumasansa  Creek  on  which  is  a  town  where  once  was  a 
Portugese  factory.  My  Cooper  continuing  ill  and  having 
a  high  fever  I  bled  him.  Three  more  of  my  people  sick 
and  Mr.  Luther,  the  Mate,  beginning  to  complain. 

Thursday,  9th.  Lying  opposite  Dumasansa.  The 
Cooper  I  think  a  little  better.  Bled  Potter  and  gave  him 
an  Emetic.  Job  Lawton  sick  to-day,  both  he  and  the  Mate 
have  declined  being  let  blood  or  taking  an  Emetic.  I 
fear  they  will  suffer  for  their  obstinacy — being  in  great 
want  of  Coin*  went  up  to  the  town  with  my  Linguister. 

*  "In  the  earliest  days  rum  was  the  best  article  for  the  purchase  of 
slaves.    At  the  end  of  the  eighteenth  century  when  slaves  were  obtained 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  51 

It  is  about  5  miles  up  the  Creek  and  returning  in  the 
middle  of  the  day  against  flood  tide,  not  a  whisper  of  air 
and  the  direct  rays  of  a  vertical  sun  over  my  head.  By 
the  time  I  arrived  on  board  I  could  scarcely  stand  or  see. 
Determine  to  sweat  to-night.  Having  but  2  men  well  I 
dare  not  take  physic.  Our  situation  is  critical,  but  while 
I  have  the  smallest  portion  of  health  or  strength  left  they 
shall  be  exerted  for  the  recovery  of  my  People  and  the 
Success  of  the  Voyage.  Wrote  with  a  trembling  hand  and 
swimming  head. 

Friday,  J  any.  10th.  Having  sweat  well  last  night  I  this 
day  feel  a  little  better.  Gave  Job  Lawton  an  Emetic. 
Last  night  Louis  taken  sick,  blooded  him  to-day.  /  have 
but  one  man  now  able  to  come  on  Deck.  I  am  hardly  able 
to  crawl  and  have  50  souls  on  board.*  'Tis  gloomy — 
yes — but  Hope,  sweet  flatterer  still  deceives. 

Saturday,  11th  J  any.  At  day-break  sent  my  Linguister 
to  Dumasansa.  Finding  myself  much  worse  took  an 
Emetic — not  a  soul  to  come  near  me.  Some  of  my  people 
a  little  better,  but  none  able  to  go  on  Deck. 

Tuesday,  14*th.  We  are  proceeding  slowly  down  the 
river — how  we  get  along  God  only  knows.  Yesterday  I 
mustered  strength  enough  to  bleed  myself.  My  only  well 
Man,  James,  taken  down  last  night.  Bled  and  physik'd 
him  this  morn'g.     Bled  Joshua  and  gave  him  an  emetic. 

chiefly  by  murderous  raids,  arms  were  of  first  consequence.    And  then 
when  the  slavers  established  great  depots  and  barracoons  on  the  slave- 
coast  a  time  came  when  coin  was  wanted  more  than  any  other  com- 
modity."— The  American  Slave  Trade. 
*  Referring  to  the  consignment  of  slaves. 


52  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I  am  not  able  to  crawl  on  Deck  but  without  eating  or 
sleeping  I  am  obliged  night  and  day  to  attend  to  those 
who  are  sicker  than  myself. 

Wednesday,  15th- Thursday,  Wth.  I  think  probably 
lost  several  days.  Dropt  anchor  at  Sea — all  alive  and 
that's  all. 

Wednesday,  J  any.  29th,  1800.  I  quitted  my  journal 
with  an  aching  head  and  throbbing  heart,  and  now  I  renew 
it,  if  possible,  in  a  more  distressing  situation.  My  Mate 
and  one  man  gone  to  the  Shades — the  rest,  all  but  one,  able 
to  go  on  Deck  tho'  all  very  weak — and  myself  can  crawl 
ashore  about  once  in  two  days,  and  find  about  half  that 
is  due  me  ready.*  Flatter  myself  with  sailing  in  20  days 
at  furthest — Capt.  Gladding  came  down  night  before  last 
— on  board  me  yesterday,  concerting  scheme  for  my 
assistance — but  Mark! — last  night  a  little  sloop  from 
Goree  with  16  men,  armed  with  muskets  took  possession 
and  huzza  for  Goree  J 7f  Coming  out  of  the  river  felt  better 
— but  on  the  passage  had  a  relapse  which  has  left  me  weak 
low  and  feverish.  Did  not  reach  Goree  till  Monday, 
Feby.  3d.  All  landed  same  day — a  good  room  provided 
and  indeed  on  the  passage  and  ashore  every  personal  atten- 
tion has  been  paid  us. 

Goree,  Thursday,  Feby.  6th,  1800.  Met  with  a  Mr. 
Smith  owner  and  Supercargo  of  a  Danish  Brig  from  St. 
Thomas  last  from  Senegal — purchasing  gum  &c. — expect- 

*  Slaves. 

f  The  "  little  sloop  "  was  a  French  privateer.  Goree  is  still  a  French 
colonial  settlement.  It  lies  on  a  rocky  island  a  mile  southeast  of  the 
point  of  Cape  Verde,  and  exports  some  gold  dust  and  ivory. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  53 

ing  to  be  long  on  the  coast  and  then  bound  for  Europe. 
No  vessell  here  or  at  Senegal  for  the  West  Indies.  Mr. 
S.  made  me  friendly  offers  of  assistance.  His  brig  sails 
this  day  down  the  coast  a  little,  to  return  in  2  or  3  weeks. 

Friday,  Feby.  lih.  Had  my  second  audience  of  the 
Governor.  Gave  in  my  deposition,  prepared  by  them  in 
French.  As  the  papers  must  finally  go  to  Senegal  I  pre- 
pared a  memorial  to  the  Gov.  Genl.  to  accompany  them. 

Saturday,  Feby.  8th.  Mr.  St.  John,  a  very  respectable 
inhabitant  and  a  noted  friend  to  Americans  called  to  see 
me — Mr.  Pippin  a  noted  merchant  sent  for  me  to  his 
house — Myself  and  people  thank  God — all  getting  better, 
(illegible)  ...  by  chance  perhaps  a  beef  bone  to 
make  soup.  As  to  vegetables  or  fruit  of  any  kind  what- 
ever— you  might  as  well  look  for  an  honest  man.  This 
makes  it  very  hard  for  Invalids — and  an  Invalid  I  fear  I 
shall  be  long. 

Anxious  days  and  wearisome  nights  are  appointed  unto 
me — when  I  lie  down  I  say  when  shall  I  arise  and  the 
night  be  gone;  and  I  am  full  of  tossings  to  and  fro  till 
the  dawning  of  the  day,  but — wherefore  should  a  living 
man  complain — I  am  better — I  can  even  walk  the  streets 
morning  and  evening — walk — no — I  can  crawl  and  drag 
about  with  me  a  poor  emaciated  frame. 

Tuesday,  Feby.  25th.  What  can  be  more  tedious  than 
a  continual  state  of  suspense  and  expectation!  On  the 
8th  of  this  month  a  Courier  was  despatched  from  hence  to 
Senegal  with  my  papers.  I  was  taught  to  expect  his  re- 
turn in  10  days — 'tis  now  17  days  and  no  news  of  the 


54  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

scoundrel — well — patience  per  force — Last  night  Capt. 
Hyer  arrived  here,  14  days  from  Gambia.  By  him  I 
have  the  pleasing  account  that  Capt.  Gladding  and  crew 
were  well  except  the  boy — also  that  he  was  near  to  leave 
the  river — having  as  I  wished  taken  the  Schooner  which 
my  debtors  reserved  for  me — otherwise  2  months  longer 
at  least  would  have  been  his  fate.     .     .     . 

Goree,  Wednesday,  March  5th,  1800.  This  day  two  of 
my  people  viz.  Swan  and  Joshua  set  out  for  Gambia  with 
Capt.  Hyer,  in  hopes  to  take  passage  home  with  Capt. 
Gladding.  Would  to  God  I  could  go  myself — but  no  re- 
turn yet  from  Senegal.  My  health  very  low — been  con- 
fined to  the  house  these  4  days. 

Saturday,  Sth.  Yesterday  a  Brig  belonging  to  the 
"Terrible  Republic"  arrived  from  Senegal,  and  brought 
news  of  the  condemnation  of  the  Commerce.  She  was 
immediately  put  up  at  vendue  and  sold  for  1140  Dollars. 
Nothing  now  remains  for  me  but  to  get  away  as  soon  as 
possible — but  how — or  when — I  know  not. 

Friday,  lUh.  Learning  that  a  boat  was  to  sail  this 
evening  for  Gambia,  I  wrote  the  Commr.  requesting  per- 
mission for  the  2  Lawtons  to  go  in  her  which  he  refused. 
I  wrote  by  her  to  Capt.  G.  enclosed  a  letter  to  Mr.  J.  W. 
Bourn  covering  a  copy  of  my  protest. 

Sunday,  16th  March.  This  day  arrived  here  Capt. 
Welsh  who  commanded  a  small  Schooner  from  Charles- 
ton*— taken  off  Gambia  Bar  by  2  (French)  boats  from 

*  Charleston,  S.  C,  was  the  leading  American  port  of  entry  for  African 
slaves  at  this  time. 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER  55 

this  place.  He  came  here  in  one  of  the  boats — his  Schooner 
has  not  yet  arrived. 

Tuesday,  March  25th.  Yesterday  Capt.  Welsh's 
Schooner  arrived.  She  has  4  fine  carriage  guns.  She 
was  taken  at  the  entrance  of  Betana  river,  to  windward  of 
Gambia.  The  boats  that  took  him  had  been  up  the 
river  trading  for  corn.  About  a  week  since  arrived  here 
a  large  Danish  Ship  from  St.  Thomas.  The  Danish  Brig 
has  also  returned  from  Cassamas.  With  regard  to  my- 
self— I  am  able  just  to  drag  my  swelled  legs  and  emaci- 
ated body  thro'  the  streets — and  tho'  I  yet  have  frequent 
returns  of  the  fever,  on  the  whole  my  health  is  better. 

Friday,  April  4>th.  I  have  for  several  days  been  anx- 
iously expecting  Capt.  Hyer  from  Gambia.  There  is  a 
Schooner  trading  in  Gambia  and  I  wish  to  learn  what 
probability  there  is  of  obtaining  a  passage  in  her  and  how 
soon.  There  is  no  other  prospect  of  getting  from  hence 
except  by  that  Schooner  and  that  Danish  Ship,  now  lying 
here,  and  it  will  be  a  long  time  before  the  Ship  sails.  Every 
day  I  am  more  sick  of  this  place.  My  health,  I  think  I 
never  shall  regain  it  till  I  leave  it — tho'  on  the  whole  I 
am  getting  better  'tis  so  slow  as  scarcely  to  be  perceived. 
Oh  my  dear  Country  when  shall  I  see  you! 

Friday,  April  4>th.  About  1  o'clock  p.  m.  a  squadron 
of  ships  hove  in  sight — immediately  the  whole  island  is  in 
commotion.  The  women  and  children  and  all  their  light 
movables  packed  off  to  the  Continent.  It  proved  to  be  a 
British  fleet  under  the  Command  of  Commodore  Sir 
Charles  Hamilton.     About  4  o'clock  a  flag  of  truce  from 


56  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

the  Commodore  came  on  shore  with  a  summons  to  the 
Govr.  to  surrender  the  Island.  The  Capitulation  was 
soon  signed,  and  about  10  the  British  landed  and  took 
possession.  Previous  to  their  landing  one  of  the  Lieu- 
tenants accompanied  by  nearly  all  the  Soldiers  went  over 
to  the  Mainland  to  proceed  to  Senegal. 

Saturday,  5th.  Thomas  Holmes  Tydy,  Esqr.  is  ap- 
pointed Govr.  for  his  Brittc.  Majesty.  The  fleet  consists 
of  the  Ruby  64  guns,  Commodore  C.  Hamilton,  and  the 
Magnaneme  44  guns,  Capt.  Taylor. 

Tuesday,  Sth.  In  company  with  Capt.  Welsh  took  pas- 
sage on  board  the  Ship  Andersons,  Capt.  Morley — bound 
to  leeward — in  hopes  to  find  some  American  vessell  to 
take  us  on  board.  Adieu  for  the  present  to  Goree — I  shall 
long  have  cause  to  remember  ye — 70  days  a  prisoner  on 
your  barren  rock — robbed  of  all  my  property — with  ruined 
health — with  broken  constitution,  I  quit  your  hated  shores. 

We  are  convoy'd  down  the  coast  by  the  Magnaneme, 
Capt.  Taylor — there  are  5  more  Guinea-men  in  company.* 

Saturday,  April  12th.  Being  in  Lat.  9°  10'  N.  Long. 
15°  W.  At  Meridian  saw  a  strange  sail  to  leeward — the 
Frigajte  bore  down  after  him  and  before  night  we  learned 
that  it  was  the  Scr.  Greyhound  of  Charleston,  Capt. 
McCall,  from  Benin's  Island  bound  to  Havana.  He 
being  an  intimate  acquaintance  of  Capt.  Welsh,  he  went 
on  board  and  obtained  a  passage  for  himself,  me,  and  our 
two  sailors.  At  3  p.m.  left  the  Andersons  with  many 
thanks  to  Capt.  Morley  for  his  polite  and  friendly  conduct 
*  Slave  vessels  were  called  Guinea-men  and  "rum  ships." 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  57 

and  went  on  board  the  Greyhound.  For  several  days  we 
have  calm  and  light  winds — at  length  are  favored  with  a 
fine  breeze.  I  find  my  health  much  better — appetite  very 
good — tho'  my  legs  and  feet  are  very  much  swelled 

April  %0th.  A  return  of  fever  which  continued  many 
days — very  violent — much  rain  and  rough  weather,  and 
tho'  Capt.  McCall  is  all  kindness  and  Capt.  W.  very 
attentive  to  me  yet  my  situation  is  unpleasant  in  the 
extreme,  there  being  more  than  200  souls  on  board.* 
I  am  unable  to  read  or  write — deprived  of  all  exercise 
and  appetite — rack'd  with  pain  and  scorch'd  with  fever — 
yet  I  live,  and  a  living  Dog — saith  Solomon,  is  better  than 
a  dead  Lion. 

Saturday,  May  Sd.  In  Lat.  22  N.  Long.  59  W.  we 
were  boarded  by  2  Jrench  privateer  Schooners,  full  of  men, 
said  they  were  from  Porto  Rico — but  we  suppose  from 
Guadaloupe — they  took  our  boat,  charts,  liquors,  quad- 
rants, watches  all  our  small  stock — the  Vessell's  Medicine 
chest  and  mine  &c.  &c. — we  are  happy  however  to 
escape  being  sent  in  as  prisoners. 

Sunday,  May  4th.  Spoke  a  sloop  from  New  Haven 
bound  to  Antigua  with  Horses — from  whom  we  procured 
some  bread — potatoes — 2  pigs  and  a  few  fowls. 

Thursday  15th.  Made  Watland'sf  Island — light  winds 
ahead — On  Saturday,  May  17th,  anchored  in  Napan 
Harbour,  Nassau.  Went  ashore  but  find  myself  too  weak 
to  stir  much.     Next  day  James  Lawton  who  came  from 

*  Of  these  200  souls,  probably  180  were  slaves, 
f  Watling's  Island  or  San  Salvador. 


58  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Goree  with  me,  took  passage  in  a  small  Schooner  bound 
to  New  London.  Calling  on  Mrs.  Ormsby  I  received 
a  very  distressing  piece  of  intelligence — the  Death  of  my 
dear  little  niece.  Poor  Betsey — and  art  thou  gone — yes, 
and  with  thee  are  buried  my  last  earthly  hopes. 

Oh  Power  Supreme  Whose  mighty  scheme 

These  woes  of  mine  fullfill. 
Here  firm  I  rest — they  must  be  best 

Because  they  are  Thy  Will. 

Then  all  I  want — (Oh  do  Thou  grant 

This  one  request  of  mine) 
Since  to  enjoy  Thou  dost  deny 

Assist  me  to  resign. 

Tuesday,  May  20th.  We  expected  to  have  left  Nassau 
last  eveg.  but  being  calm  remained  in  port  till  7  this 
morng.  then  made  sail.  Light  variable  winds  and  calms 
— and  I  have  a  severe  return  of  fever  which  confines  me 
mostly  to  my  berth.  I  feel  a  kind  of  stupor  upon  me — 
the  Death  of  my  dear  little  niece  has  rendered  me  inca- 
pable of  enjoyment  or  even  of  exertion.  We  did  not 
arrive  in  Havana  till  Monday,  May  26th.  Here  I  found 
Capt.  Manchester  of  Bristol,  arrived  yesterday  from  the 
Coast  and  I  learn  that  a  fleet  sails  to-morrow  morng. 
for  America.  Among  them  is  the  Fair  Eliza — Capt. 
Littlefield  bound  to  Bristol — with  whom  I  determine  to 
take  passage,  tho'  it  leaves  me  no  chance  to  procure  any 
clothes  or  even  to  get  washing  done,  which  I  much  want. 
Don  Pedro  is  very  kind  to  me  furnished  me  with  stores 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  59 

for  my  passage  and  a  little  Cash.  A  fine  breeze  and 
current  with  us.  We  are  12  sail  in  company — convoyed 
by  the  Warren  sloop  of  war,  Capt.  Newman. 

Sunday,  June  Sth.  At  6  p.m.  made  the  light  house  on 
Montock*  Point,  light  winds  all  night.  Next  day  at  11 
a.m.  were  abreast  of  Newport  light  house — light  breeze 
at  S.  W.  Ran  in  and  at  4  p.m.  landed  at  Bristol — put  up 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Aaron  Bourn,  found  my  friends  well 
and  apparently  glad  to  see  me. 

For  a  long  period  found  my  health  very  precarious — 
repeatedly  confined  for  a  week  or  more  to  my  room — at 
length  I  begin  gradually  to  recover.  I  find  that  riding 
is  of  great  service  to  me,  and  practice  it  every  pleasant 
morning. 

June  20th.  Received  letters  from  New  Haven  and 
had  the  joyful  surprise  of  learning  that  the  intelligence 
received  in  Napan  of  the  Death  of  my  dear  Niece  was 
premature.  Soon  after  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  let- 
ters from  her.  My  lovely  girl — long — very  long,  may  you 
continue  to  bless  him  who  has  felt  so  much  anxiety  for 
you. 

.  .  .  August,  1800.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keith  preparing 
to  remove  to  Boston — concluded  to  accompany  them  to 
Taunton — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mosher  also  go  and  with  me 
my  amiable  friend  Miss  Smith.  Tarried  the  first  night  in 
Dighton — the  second  in  Taunton  and  returned  the  third 
day.  Had  pleasant  weather  and  tho'  not  yet  recovered 
my  health  and  strength  had  a  most  delightful  ride.  The 
*  Montauk. 


60  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

agreeable  company  of  that  worthy  girl  would  make  any 
situation  enviable — His  many  years  since  I  have  had  an 
excursion  so  pleasant.  Capt.  Munroe  being  absent  at 
Sea  I  spend  much  of  my  time  at  their  house,  and  could 
anything  reconcile  me  again  to  mankind  or  fill  that  void 
in  my  heart  which  Death  has  made  it  would  be  the 
friendship  and  society  of  Miss  S.  In  her  lov'd  society 
hours  glide  unheeded  past — "while  converse  sweet  the 
passing  hours  secures  and  marks  them  down  for  wisdom." 
My  mind  is  soothed  by  every  endearing  and  friendly  atten- 
tion— the  gentle  voice  of  friendship  and  confidence  to 
which  I  have  so  long  been  a  stranger  administers  conso- 
lation to  me,  and  while  listening  to  the  accents  of  pity, 
my  declining  health,  my  ruined  fortune  is  forgotten  and 
I  remember  my  miseries  no  more. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  61 


LETTERS  TO  A  SAILORS   SWEETHEART 

CAPTAIN  JOHN  RUSSELL  had  first  met  Nancy 
Smith  in  the  spring  of  1799,  after  which  he  was 
almost  continuously  at  sea,  bound  to  the  West 
Indies  and  Africa,  until  the  summer  of  the  following  year. 
After  his  return  from  the  ill-starred  voyage  to  the  slave 
coast  in  which  he  lost  both  ship  and  cargo,  he  must  have 
remained  at  home  long  enough  to  woo  and  win  the  "  amia- 
ble girl"  of  whom  he  had  written,  "If  I  proceed  I  may 
possibly  fall  in  love  with  the  picture — and  yet — where  can 
be  the  danger — any  picture  that  I  can  possibly  draw  must 
fall  far  short  of  the  original." 

We  know  that  she  had  promised  to  marry  him  before  he 
went  to  sea  again,  late  in  1800.  At  that  time  she  was 
twenty-six  and  he  was  thirty  years  of  age,  young  enough  to 
find  an  absorbing  joy  in  each  other,  old  enough  to  have 
found  their  bearings  and  to  chart  a  mutual  course  of  un- 
wavering devotion.  Few  of  his  letters  written  during  the 
period  of  their  betrothal  were  found  in  the  old  sea-chest. 
The  first  of  them  was  written  in  December,  1800,  and  it 
is  known  that  their  marriage  took  place  on  June  1,  1802, 
or  a  year  and  a  half  later.  She  is  his  "  Dear  Friend  "  in 
these  letters  of  a  lover,  and  he  continues  thus  to  call  her 
in  all  his  sea-borne  messages  through  ten  years  of  devo- 


62  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

tion  as  a  husband  and  father.     The  letters  written  during 
courtship  are  as  follows: 

To  Miss  Ann  Smith,  Bristol,  R>  I> 

Port  Antonio,*  Deer.  27th,  1800. 
My  Deab  Friend: 

I  hope  it  will  afford  you  some  satisfaction  to  learn  that 
I  arrived  at  this  Port,  after  a  passage  of  twenty  days  from 
Bristol,  having  experienced  much  rough  and  stormy 
weather,  and  with  many  additional  circumstances  that 
combined  to  make  our  whole  passage  extremely  disagree- 
able. I  found  it  necessary  on  my  first  landing,  to  proceed 
immediately,  on  horse  back,  to  Kingston — the  distance  of 
eighty  miles,  through  rain,  rivers  and  mud — over  rocks, 
hills  and  mountains.  This,  however,  has  afforded  me  an 
opportunity  to  see  a  considerable  part  of  the  Island,  and 
to  visit  the  largest  town  in  the  British  West  Indies — which 
in  a  more  favourable  time,  might  have  yielded  me  much 
pleasure.  From  this  excursion  I  am  just  returned  and 
have  seized  the  first  moment  of  leisure  to  converse  by  letter 
with  the  Friend  of  my  Heart,  and  thus  far,  you  see  I  have 
scribbled  on,  in  as  plain  a  style  as  any  other  honest  Jona- 
than could  possibly  have  done.     For  instance 

Arriv'd  safe  in  port — stormy  weather — bad  passage 
— been  to  Kingston  by  land — bad  roads — plenty  rain — 
horrid  travelling — just  got  back — am  very  well — hope  you 
are   &c.   &c. 

Now  this  would  have  been  shorter  and  just  as  good  as 
*  Jamaica. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  63 

the  manner  in  which  I  have  expressed  the  same  thing. 
It  is  much  easier  to  laugh  at  the  style  of  others  than  to 
mend  it  ourselves,  but  what  have  I  to  do  with  style? — You, 
I  hope  my  good  girl,  will  expect  nothing  more  from  me 
than  the  plain  expressions  of  a  plain  sailor,  for  in  truth,  I 
have  learned  no  other  language  than  the  language  of  the 
heart.  Indeed  I  fear  you  paid  a  Compliment  to  me  at 
the  expense  of  your  own  Satisfaction  when  you  so  gener- 
ously expressed  your  permission  that  I  might  write  to  you. 
Yet  I  do  not  wish,  for  my  own  sake,  to  call  your  sincerity 
in  question,  when  you  not  only  gave  permission,  but  kindly 
made  it  a  request  that  I  would  write  to  you.  Flattered  as 
I  certainly  felt  by  such  a  mark  of  your  indulgence  and 
confidence,  I  trust  I  know  my  Nancy's  heart  so  well  as  to 
believe  that  anything,  however  trivial,  from  the  pen  of  her 
friend  will  be  perused  with  candour,  and  I  hope  with 
some  Pleasure. 

You  certainly  would  not  expect  much  either  of  amuse- 
ment or  instruction  from  me.  Nurs'd  in  the  cradle  of 
Affliction,  tutor 'd  in  the  school  of  Adversity  and  long 
inured  to  Misfortune,  my  sources  for  contributing  to 
the  amusement  of  others — (if  I  ever  possessed  any)  have 
been  long  since  exhausted.  And  as  to  instruction,  I 
wish  you,  my  lovely  Friend,  to  receive  it  from  a  School 
that  shall  give  far  less  pain  to  your  heart  than  to  take 
lessons  from  the  misfortunes  of  others.  Yet  there  is  one 
point  in  which  I  most  sincerely  wish  I  could  instruct  you. 
I  wish  I  could  teach  you  to  feel  that  pleasure  which  I  feel 
at  this  moment,  when  I  recollect  to  whom  I  am  writing. 


64  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

I  wish  I  could  teach  you  that  pleasure  which  I  have  felt 
in  reflecting  that  I  have  a  Friend,  who,  wherever  I  may 
be,  will  still  feel  an  interest  in  my  wellfare.  I  wish  I 
could  teach  you  to  feel  that  pure  and  serene  Satisfaction 
which  I  have  felt  when  Memory  has  led  me  back  to  the 
happy — truly  happy  hours  that  I  have  passed  in  your 
lov'd  Society. 

Yes,  my  dearest  friend,  if  anything  can  soften  the  pain- 
ful remembrance  of  past  misfortunes  'tis  the  recollection 
that  my  Nancy  is  still  left.  If  anything  can  smooth  a 
passage  across  the  rough  Ocean — compose  me  to  sleep  in 
the  horrors  of  a  storm,  or  dissipate  the  anxiety  of  absence 
— 'tis  the  hope  that  I  am  still  dear  to  my  lovely  friend. 
Such — if  I  were  your  Tutor,  would  be  the  lessons  you 
would  hear  from  me.  And  separated  as  I  am  from  you, 
I  still  wish  to  impress  them  on  your  Mind — unless  you 
can  substitute  others  in  their  stead  more  useful  or  pro- 
ductive of  more  satisfaction  to  yourself,  for  I  am  not  quite 
so  selfish  as  to  wish  your  thoughts  to  be  employed  on  any 
painful  subject — and  I  think  I  have  a  right  to  hope  that 
my  Nancy  will  sometimes  lose  a  thought  on  her  absent 
friend:  that  she  will  sometimes  reflect,  and  not  without 
pleasure,  on  the  hours  in  which  she  has  bles't  him  with 
her  society. 

Few  as  my  own  sources  of  happiness  are,  I  flatter  my- 
self, that  you,  my  charming  friend,  enjoy  many.  You  have 
probably,  ere  this,  seen  the  return  of  Capt.  Monroe  and 
had  the  pleasure  of  again  seeing  a  smile  brighten  the 
countenance  of  your  good  sister — perhaps  you  have  visited 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  65 

Boston,  and  been  happy  in  the  society  of  your  truly  valu- 
able Mrs.  Keith.  Wherever  you  have  been,  or  whatever 
has  been  your  employment,  if  I  only  know  you  are  happy, 
the  first  wish  of  my  heart  will  be  gratified. 

I  hope  the  time  may  not  be  long  before  I  shall  be  able 
to  assure  you  in  person  of  the  sincerity  of  those  wishes — 
to  be  happy  once  more  in  your  loved  society  and  tell  you 
how  dear — how  very  dear  you  are  to  the  heart  of 

Your  friend, 

Russell. 

To  Miss  Ann  Smith,  Bristol,  R-  I- 

Annotto  Bay,  Febry.  24th,  1801. 
I  feel  much  satisfaction,  my  Dear  Friend,  at  the  pros- 
pect of  quitting  this  Island  within  a  very  few  days  and  of 
shaping  my  course  once  more  for  Bristol.  The  place  from 
which  I  now  write  is  thirty  miles  from  Port  Antonio — 
where  we  discharged  our  cargo.  I  have  been  here  about 
four  weeks  and  last  evening  returned  from  a  journey  by 
land  to  Port  Antonio,  to  which  place  I  went  to  clear  out 
the  Vessell.  My  ride  back  was  a  very  unpleasant  one,  it 
raining  violently  the  whole  day  and  the  roads,  which  are 
commonly  bad  enough,  were  now  almost  impassable. 
The  rivers  too  were  swoln  to  a  great  degree,  and  as  there 
are  no  bridges,  I  had  to  swim  my  horse  over  several  of 
them  where  the  current  was  extremely  rapid.  So  that  had 
you  seen  me  when  I  arrived  here  last  evening,  as  finely 
drenched  as  rain  and  swimming  could  make  me,  and 


66  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

almost  bruised  to  a  jelly  from  the  effects  of  a  hard  trotting 
horse — I  am  sure  you  would  either  have  laughed  at  or 
pitied  me — perhaps  both.  However,  the  comforts  of  dry 
clothes  and  a  good  cup  of  Coffee  soon  made  all  right 
again,  and  what  not  a  little  contributed  to  make  me  for- 
get my  fatigues,  was  the  reflection  that  my  business  was 
in  such  a  train  as  to  enable  me  so  soon  to  leave  this  place, 
of  which,  I  assure  you,  I  am  heartily  tired.  Not  but 
there  are  some  enjoyments  here — the  natural  beauties 
of  the  country  being  particularly  interesting.  But  what 
are  commonly  called  pleasures  here,  I  confess  afford  me 
very  little  satisfaction. 

I  have  heard  much  of  Jamaica  hospitality,  and  if  the 
utmost  profusion  in  eating  and  drinking,  and  a  fondness 
of  having  strangers  to  gorge  and  get  drunk  with  them — 
if  this  is  hospitality — they  certainly  deserve  that  character. 
I  have  no  reason  to  complain  of  inattention — for  I  have 
had  many  more  invitations  to  dine  than  I  have  accepted. 
For  altho'  I  liked  good  eating  and  drinking — yet  when 
too  much  is  sacrificed  to  it,  where  pride  destroys  the  ease, 
and  formal  regularity  all  the  pleasurable  enjoyment  of 
the  entertainment — where  one  must  out  of  complaisance 
to  the  master  of  the  house  drink  more  than  the  head  can 
bear  and  eat  more  than  the  stomach  pan  digest — I  turn 
from  them  in  disgust  and  exclaim  with  the  royal  preacher 
"Better  is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is — than  a  plen- 
tous  table  and  hatred  therewith." 

There  is  something  too  in  the  general  manners  of  the 
People,  notwithstanding  all  their  civility,  which  is  to  me 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  67 

extremely  disgusting.  It  has  long  been  my  opinion  that 
persons  bred  in  the  midst  of  slaves,  accustomed  from 
infancy  to  see  hundreds  of  miserable  wretches  trembling 
at  their  nod  and  indulging  them  in  every  caprice,  that 
such  persons  can  never  be  agreeable  companions  to  their 
equals  or  a  valuable  acquisition  as  friends.  No  Person 
resides  here  with  any  other  intention  than  to  make  a 
Fortune  as  quick  as  possible  and  then  run  home  (as  they 
emphatically  style  England)  to  spend  it.  Consequently 
they  do  not  think  it  worth  while  to  form  those  social  con- 
nections which  give  a  zest  to  the  pleasures  of  Society  and 
form  so  large  a  portion  of  the  joys  of  life.  I  hope  here- 
after to  relate  to  you  some  curious  anecdotes  concerning 
the  manners  of  these  people.  At  present  I  turn  from 
them  in  disgust  and  I  return  to  contemplate  with  heart- 
felt pleasure  the  different  scenes  which  await  my  arrival 
in  my  Native  Country.  Yes,  my  Charming  Friend  I  can 
not  only  look  forward  and  anticipate  happiness — but  I 
can  look  back  and  enjoy  again  in  remembrance  the 
scenes  of  pleasure  I  have  had  in  the  society  of  those  I 
esteem  and  the  truly  delightful  hours  I  have  passed  in  the 
company  of  my  dear  Nancy — 

"While  converse  sweet  the 
Stealing  hours  secured, 
And  marked  them  down  for  wisdom." 

Do  you  ever,  my  Dear  Friend,  when  taking  a  walk  by 
moonlight — while  you  enjoy  the  stillness  and  beauty  of 
the  scene — do  you  ever  call  to  remembrance  those  delight- 


68  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

ful  evenings,  when  your  now  absent  Friend  was  bless 'd 
in  your  lov'd  society — and  happy  when  you  could  point 
out  and  enjoy  with  him,  the  beautous  prospect  around 
us?  If  you  ever,  in  such  a  moment,  spare  a  solitary 
thought  to  your  absent  Friend,  remember  that  he  is 
probably  even  then  engaged  in  the  same  contemplations — 
that  while  he  walks  the  decks  by  moonlight,  and  views 
the  shadows  of  the  distant  mountains  in  the  water,  he 
almost  fancies  his  friend  is  by  his  side  and  engaged  in 
pointing  out  to  him  the  awful  Grandeur  of  the  surround- 
ing Scenery.  Wherever  you  may  be,  or  whatever  may 
employ  your  thoughts,  may  your  contemplations  be 
happy  as  your  Heart  is  pure  and  innocent.  Adieu — and 
believe  me  to  be  Dear  Nancy,  yours  in  all  sincerity — 

Russell. 

To  Miss  Ann  Smith,  Bristol,  R.  I. 
My  Dear  Friend:  PoRr  Antoni°.  J™e  *6th,  1801. 

About  two  weeks  since  I  wrote  you  by  way  of  Provi- 
dence and  perhaps  you  will  think  that  one  Letter  during 
a  West  India  voyage  is  quite  sufficient.  Yet  surely  if 
you  know  how  scanty  are  my  sources  of  enjoyment  here 
and  how  little  there  is  to  interest  my  Feelings — how  insipid 
is  everything  to  me  that  here  passes  for  Amusement — how 
irksome  the  manners  of  those  with  whom  I  am  obliged  to 
associate,  and  how  tedious  the  Hours  roll  on  while  I  am 
detained  here — you  would  be  disposed  to  believe  me  when 
I  tell  you  that  I  set  down  as  to  a  feast  when  I  am  writing 
to  my  Charming  Friend,  and  if  you  receive  no  amusement 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  69 

or  satisfaction  in  reading,  you  will  yet,  I  hope,  feel  dis- 
posed to  be  indulgent  for  the  Pleasure  it  gave  your  Friend 
when  writing. 

Why,  however  should  I  write  thus — or  why  express  a 
doubt  whether  My  Nancy  will  feel  any  pleasure  on  hear- 
ing from  her  friend.  Let  me,  for  once,  judge  of  your 
heart  by  my  own,  and  then  I  will  believe  that  however 
uninteresting  a  Letter  of  this  kind  may  be  in  itself,  yet  it 
will  not  be  destitute  of  Interest,  as  coming  from  a  Friend 
— it  will  be  perused  with  indulgence  and  perhaps  with 
Pleasure.  When  I  wrote  you  last,  I  had  hopes,  My 
Dear  Girl,  that  I  should  ere  this  have  been  on  my  passage 
to  America,  but  we  are  not  yet  half  loaded,  and  I  fear 
shall  be  detained  some  time  longer. 

If  my  wishes  could  prevail  how  soon  would  I  leave 
this  hated  hole — how  soon  again  be  happy  in  the  society 
of  all  I  hold  dear  in  life.  But  alas !  these  are  idle  wishes 
— fruitless  is  all  my  anxiety — I  am  still  at  a  great  distance 
from  my  Sweet  Friend.  I  am  still  among  People  whose 
morals  I  detest,  and  whose  manners  I  despise.  How 
differently  do  I  flatter  myself  that  you  are  situated;  sur- 
rounded by  those  you  Love  and  who  you  know  are  worthy 
of  your  Esteem  and  interested  in  your  Wellfare.  If  you 
are  sometimes  in  the  Society  of  those  not  quite  so  congenial 
to  your  feelings — you  can  soon  be  relieved;  soon  run  to 
your  good  sisters,  or  laugh  away  an  hour  with  Abby 
DeWolf  or  else  ramble  a  little  further  and  talk  over  old 
times  at  Friend  Moshers,  or  indulge  in  all  the  confidence 
of  Friendship  and  Family  affection  with  cousin  Nancy. 


70  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

The  summer  season  is  fast  approaching  in  your  coun- 
try. If  blackberries  are  ripe  before  my  return,  will  you 
not,  my  Charming  Friend,  gather  and  eat  some  for  me 
as  well  as  for  yourself?  Will  you,  as  you  ramble  towards 
evening  below  Sammy  Smith's — will  you  remember  the 
ground  over  which  you  used  slowly  to  crawl  when  sup- 
porting the  exhausted  frame  of  your  poor  debilitated 
Friend — will  you  recognize  again  the  shades  where  you 
used  to  oblige  him  to  rest,  while  you  kindly  endeavored 
to  smile  away  his  pain — when  with  the  sweet  voice  of 
Pity  you  cheered  him  with  hopes  of  returning  Health, 
and  soothed  his  exhausted  spirits  with  the  cheering  ani- 
mating accents  of  Friendship. 

The  remembrance  of  these  scenes,  my  Sweet  Friend, 
are  deeply  engraven  on  my  Heart;  they  will  be  reviewed 
with  pleasure  and  recollected  with  gratitude  "while  my 
memory  holds  her  seat."  I  have  ventured  to  enclose  this 
to  Capt.  Mosher.  I  beg  you  will  remember  me  with  every 
expression  of  Friendship  to  all  those  whom  you  know 
and  esteem,  and  to  whom  you  can  venture  to  speak  of  me 
at  all.  I  hope  to  sail  from  this  in  about  a  fortnight  and 
that  it  will  not  be  very  long  before  I  shall  again  be  restored 
to  happiness  and  to  You.  Till  then,  and  ever  may  good 
Angels  guard  and  protect  you  from  every  ill,  and  shield 
you  from  every  Danger!  May  peace  and  happiness  ever 
reside  in  your  breast — in  one  corner  of  which,  reserve  a 
little  berth — will  you — for 

Your  friend, 

J.  W.  Russell. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  71 

P.  S. 

Do  you  not  think,  my  dear  Nancy,  that  two  sides  of  a 
large  sheet  will  pass  very  well  for  a  long  letter?  Yet  you 
see  there  is  one  spare  side  still  left — then  why  should  I  not 
improve  it?  'Tis  not  yet  late  bed  time — I  have  just  been 
walking  the  deck  for  half  an  hour,  smoking  my  segar — 
admiring  the  serenity  of  the  evening  and  contemplating 
the  beautiful  splendour  of  the  Moon — now  near  her  full. 
My  People  are  all  asleep  around  me,  and  I  have  just  fin- 
ished a  letter  to  our  common  friend  Capt.  Mosher,  to 
whom  I  shall  enclose  this.  I  never  wrote  to  him  before. 
I  hope  he  will  not  think  it  wrong.  He  is  a  man  whose 
friendship  and  good  opinion  I  value  highly  and  among 
real  Friends  I  have  no  idea  of  much  ceremony  and  for- 
mality. Do  not,  however,  my  good  girl  mistake  me. 
While  I  contend  that  the  most  unreserved  confidence 
should  take  place  with  those  whom  we  think  worthy  of 
our  friendship,  I  am  by  no  means  an  advocate  for  that 
gross  Familiarity  which  I  have  sometimes  seen — which 
has  always  disgusted  me,  and  which  I  never  can  think 
becoming  even  in  the  most  intimate  connexion.  The 
human  heart,  my  Friend,  is  so  constituted  as  to  love 
respect.  It  would  indeed  be  unnatural  in  very  intimate 
friends  to  behave  to  each  other  with  stiffness;  but  there  is 
a  delicacy  of  manners  and  a  flattering  deference  that  tend 
to  preserve  that  degree  of  esteem  which  is  necessary  to 
support  affection,  and  which  is  lost  in  Contempt  when  it 
deviates  into  excessive  Familiarity. 

I  did  not  intend  to  preach  when  I  began  this  post- 


72  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

script.  When  I  converse  with,  or  write  to  you  I  never 
know  when  to  have  done.  But  you  may  rejoice  now 
that  I  am  near  the  bottom  of  my  paper.  Good  night,  my 
lovely  Friend — sweet  sleep  and  pleasant  dreams  to  you. 

R. 

To  Miss  Ann  Smithy  Bristol,  R.  I. 

Port  Antonio,  April  8th,  1802. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

I  arrived  at  this  port  yesterday,  having  been  eight 
weeks  in  the  harbour  of  St.  Ann's  Bay  which  is  seventy 
miles  below  this.  I  have  touch  'd  in  here  to  receive  a 
little  rum.  Having  completed  all  my  other  business,  I 
hope  in  a  very  few  days  to  sail  for  home.  From  St. 
Anns  I  wrote  you  twice.  One  vessell  by  which  I  wrote  I 
know  was  lost,  and  I  fear  you  have  heard  nothing  from 
me.  I  will  not  however  believe  that  you  could  for  a 
moment  suspect  me  of  neglect — No,  I  hope  my  sweet 
Friend  knows  me  better.  During  the  unexpected  and 
tedious  stay  which  I  have  made  in  this  Island,  your  lov'd 
ideal  has  never  for  a  moment  left  me. 

There  is  a  kind  of  melancholy  in  thus  reviewing  de- 
parted Joys — yet  it  is  a  melancholy  of  so  soothing  and 
pleasing  a  Nature  that  I  would  not  exchange  it  for  any 
scene  of  Mirth  or  Gaiety.  At  the  Bay  of  St.  Anns  I 
found  a  set  of  people  very  different  from  my  former 
Jamaica  acquaintance.  Altho*  quite  a  stranger  and  with- 
out any  letters  of  introduction  I  was  treated  with  every 
civility  and  attention.     I  became  acquainted  with  several 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  73 


ladies — was  quite  domesticated  in  two  or  three  families, 
and  if  I  had  nothing  to  interest  my  feelings  elsewhere — 
I  might  have  made  myself  happy.  But  the  idea  of  being 
happy  where  my  Nancy  is  not  concerned,  is  with  me  quite 
out  of  the  question.  So  long  accustomed,  my  charming 
friend,  to  center  all  my  hopes  and  wishes  in  you,  that  my 
heart  now  rejects  with  loathing  every  enjoyment  that  has 
not  you  for  its  center. 

Well,  my  sweet  girl,  how  have  you  passed  the  time 
away?  You  have  many  truly  valuable  Friends,  and  I 
hope  among  them  you  have  been  happy — with  your  new 
aunt,  I  trust  you  spend  many  hours.  She  is,  or  I  am 
much  deceived,  one  of  those  better  order  of  beings  whose 
friendship  is  "more  valuable  than  rubies."  One  of  those 
very  few  whose  good  opinion  I  am  ambitious  of  obtaining 
and  whose  friendship  when  obtained,  may  console  one  for 
the  neglect  of  all  the  buzzing  insects  of  the  day. 

As  you  walk  up  and  down  the  lane  do  you  not  some- 
times remember  how  often  we  have  walked  together  there? 
When  you  call  at  good  friend  Moshers,  will  not  my  name 
be  sometimes  mentioned?  And  when  you  visit  Sister 
Hannah,  will  not  something  remind  you  that  it  was  once 
my  home?  Yes,  my  sweet  Girl,  I  hope  many  things  will 
remind  you  of  your  absent  friend.  I  hope  too  that  you 
will  think  of  him  with  pleasure  and  do  not  indulge  your- 
self in  anxiety  for  his  safety.  Soon,  my  dear  Ann,  we 
shall  meet. 

I  presume  you  have  heard  from  Allen  Munroe's  friends 
that  we  met  at  Kingston,  when  I  went  to  enter  the  vessell. 


74  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Our  meeting  was  very  unexpected,  and  I  can  assure  you 
a  very  interesting  one.  I  don't  remember  when  I  have 
been  so  much  affected.  He  wrote  me  several  times  be- 
fore he  left  Kingston.  I  have  very  much  to  say  to  you 
about  him  when  we  meet.  When  I  began  this  letter  I 
thought  I  was  in  a  hurry,  as  I  have  others  to  write  and  the 
Vessell  that  carries  them  is  to  sail  this  evening.  But  as 
when  blest  in  your  society  I  never  know  when  to  leave 
you — so  when  writing  to  you  I  never  know  where  to  stop. 
Remember  me  to  all  friends.  Adieu,  my  dear  Nancy.  I 
commit  you  to  the  protection  of  Him  who  ordereth  all 
aright  and  hope  very  soon  to  tell  you  in  person  how  much 
I  am  yours,  RuasELL. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  75 


VI 

a  sailor's  letters  to  his  bride 

A  FTER  a  honeymoon  of  almost  two  months  ashore 
[\  the  young  husband  went  to  sea  in  July,  1802, 
and  from  Havana  wrote  his  first  letters  to  "Mrs. 
Ann  Russell,  Bristol,  R.  I."  While  in  that  port  he,  for 
the  first  time  "feasted  on  a  letter  from  his  wife."  Com- 
munication was  uncertain  and  broken.  There  were  no 
regular  mails  and  Captain  Russell  was  always  on  the 
alert  to  find  an  American  vessel  homeward-bound  by 
which  he  might  send  his  packet  to  the  wife  who  some- 
times had  to  wait  several  months  for  any  word  from  sea. 
The  following  letters  need  no  more  preface  than  this. 
They  cover  the  first  year  of  their  wedded  but  cruelly 
separated  lives. 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Russell,  Bristol,   R.    I. 

Havana,  Aug.  24th,  1802. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

After  a  passage  of  twenty-nine  days  I  am  safe  in  this 

Port,  and  most  heartily  wish  I  was  safe  out  of  it  again. 

Every  kind  of  business  is  very  dull.     My  horses  not  yet 

half  of  them  sold  and  molasses  not  to  be  procured.     But 

amid  the  fatigues  of  a  very  irksome  and  disagreeable  voy- 


76  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

age,  I  have  been  hitherto,  thank  God,  favoured  with 
health — and  by  the  safe  arrival  of  Capt.  Eddy  I  have  been 
blessed  with  a  letter  from  the  dear  Friend  and  partner  of 
my  heart.  You  my  dear  wife,  who  have  often  described 
to  me  the  pleasure  you  have  felt  when  you  opened  a  letter 
from  your  absent  Friend — you  can  have  some  idea  of  my 
sensations  when  for  the  first  time  I  feasted  on  a  letter 
from  my  wife.  Next  to  the  happiness  of  seeing  you — of 
being  blessed  by  your  smiles  and  soothed  by  your  tender- 
ness— is  that  of  knowing,  from  under  your  own  dear  hand, 
that  you  still  think  of  me  with  Kindness.  I  hope,  my 
dear  friend,  that  you  did  not  suffer  much  from  the  swelling 
in  your  face  and  I  hope  too  that  you  have  not  indulged 
too  much  anxiety  on  my  account.  I  do  not  ask  you  not 
to  feel  for  me — the  knowledge  that  you  do  feel  for  me — 
that  you  are  interested  in  everything  that  concerns  me — 
that  you  take  part  in  all  my  cares,  as  well  as  in  all  my 
joys — 'tis  this,  my  dear  girl,  that  supports  me  in  every 
situation,  'tis  "my  daily  comfort  and  my  nightly  dreams." 
I  flatter  myself,  my  dear,  that  your  little  preparations 
for  housekeeping  will  afford  you  much  pleasure.  I 
think  that  in  making  your  little  arrangements  I  can  often 
hear  you  whispering,  "This  is  for  my  husband  and  me." 
Whatever  you  do  will  certainly  be  satisfactory  to  your 
Friend.  There  are  doubtless  many  things  which  I  neg- 
lected during  the  hurry  of  my  flitting  away  so  suddenly. 
If  you  want  more  of  Mr.  Bourn  than  I  paid  him,  or  if  you 
want  anything  of  anybody,  as  far  as  my  credit  will  go, 
surely,  my  dear,  you  will  not  hesitate.     You  will  know  the 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  77 

unlimited  Confidence  I  place  both  in  your  Judgment 
and  your  Prudence.  You  know  too  my  ideas  upon  the 
subject  of  setting  out  in  life — that  we  may  have  things 
comfortable,  but  on  a  small  scale,  and  within  our  means. 
I  hope,  my  lovely  friend,  soon — very  soon  to  join  you, 
and  I  fondly  flatter  myself  that  our  mutual  expectations 
of  Happiness  in  the  society  of  each  other  will  not  be  dis- 
appointed. I  left  you  my  dear  friend,  with  a  heart  op- 
pressed with  Gloom  and  a  mind  clouded  with  Sorrow; 
but  do  not,  my  best,  my  only  friend,  tax  me  with  want  of 
confidence.  I  had  lost  a  dear  and  amiable  relation; 
one  in  whose  wellfare  I  had  long  felt  an  unbounded 
interest — but  at  a  time  when  I  was  to  part  with  you  so 
suddenly  and  so  soon  after  our  union,  knowing  how  much 
you  would  feel  our  separation,  I  wished  not  to  overburden 
your  tenderness.  Perhaps  I  was  wrong.  If  I  was,  my 
best  Friend  will  forgive  me. 

My  best  respects  to  your  parents,  and  all  whom  you 
think  I  love.  Adieu,  for  the  present,  my  dear  Ann. 
May  angels  guard  you,  and  every  attendant  happiness  be 
yours — so  wishes  in  deed  and  in  truth  your 

John  W.  Russell. 

Hava.,  Augt.  27th,  1802. 
As  Capt.  Munroe  does  not  sail  quite  so  soon  as  I  ex- 
pected— I  have  set  down  to  chat  a  few  minutes  longer 
with  my  dearest,  best  of  Friends — I  wish,  my  sweet  Girl, 
I  could  tell  you  when  I  should  sail  from  hence.  It  must, 
it  shall  be  soon.     You  know  we  are  told  that  time  wears 


78  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

off  the  pangs  of  separation  and  blunts  all  the  stings  of 
regret.  If  this  is  true,  whence  comes  it,  that  the  longer 
I  am  absent  from  you,  the  more  I  feel  the  deprivation  of 
your  society,  and  every  hour  that  I  hear  the  Clock  strike 
and  think  my  Nancy  is  far  from  me — seems  longer  and 
more  tedious  than  the  Hour  that  preceded  it.  Think  not, 
that  I  am  gloomy  and  give  way  too  much  to  complaining. 
My  health  is  good — thank  God,  my  spirits  so  so — but 
indeed  my  feelings  are  very  different  from  what  I  ever 
experienced  when  abroad.  Yet  while  my  thoughts  are 
continually  reverting  to  the  Dear  Partner  of  my  Heart, 
while  Memory  leads  me  back  to  scenes  of  past  delights, 
Hope,  sweet  enchantress,  points  me  forward  to  scenes  of 
domestic  bliss  with  my  Nancy;  Imagination  lends  her 
airy  pencil  and  in  vivid  colours  portrays  nry  little  peaceful 
Fireside — my  cheerful,  happy  home.  Yes,  our  hopes 
shall  be  realized — we  shall  soon  meet  and  be  happy — for 
awhile  we  will  bid  adieu  to  corroding  care,  and  in  heart- 
felt enjoyment  forget  the  past. 

Hope  of  ray  life — dear  Partner  of  my  Heart, 
That  Faithful  Heart,  still  to  my  Nancy  true, 

Still  longs  to  her  its  Feelings  to  impart 
And  more — Oh  transport — meet  its  home  and  you. 

Tell  sister  Ellen  that  since  I  wrote  my  letter  Capt. 
Wilbor  has  arrived  from  the  Coast.*  He  left  Sierra 
Leona  river  the  2nd  of  July,  at  which  time  Capt.  Munroe 
was  there.     He  was  purchasing  rice,  and  was  to  proceed 

*  Africa. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  79 

to  Cape  Mount  to  make  his  trade.     Markets  dull  on  the 
coast. 

Adieu  my  dear  little  Ann — try  to  be  cheerful,  and  may 
the  best  of  Beings  ever  protect  you. 

J.  W.  Russell. 

Havana,  Septr.  2nd,  1802. 
My  Dearest  and  Best  Friend: 

By  Capt.  Wardle,  who  is  about  sailing  for  Newport, 
I  embrace  the  chance  of  scribbling  a  hasty  line.  He  sails 
sooner  than  I  expected,  and  I  have  but  little  leisure — but 
I  could  not  forgive  myself  should  I  forego  any  opportunity 
that  happens,  to  let  you  hear  from  me.  Five  days  ago  I 
received  your  second  letter  from  Capt.  Estabrooks  of 
Warren.  I  wish  you  knew  how  truly  grateful  I  feel,  my 
dear  girl,  for  these  instances  of  your  attention  to  the 
anxiety  of  your  absent  Partner.  The  anxieties  of  Ab- 
sence, I  hope  soon  to  be  relieved  of.  I  have  been  hitherto 
detained,  contrary  to  my  wishes  and  expectations — but  I 
have  begun  to  take  in  molasses,  and  am  daily  expecting  a 
droger,  or  coaster,  with  some  for  me.  As  I  do  not  intend 
to  load  fully,  if  the  droger  brings  sufficient  to  ballast  the 
Brig  I  shall  sail  immediately.  I  wish  I  could  tell  you 
when  exactly  that  I  expected  to  sail.  That  however  is  not 
in  my  power,  and  you  must  not  be  too  anxious  if  I  do  not 
arrive  quite  so  soon  as  you  expect.  You  have  no  occasion 
to  be  alarmed  about  the  unhealthiness  of  this  place  at 
present.  There  is  little  complaint  of  sickness  among  the 
shipping  and  'tis  daily  growing  better.     Three  days  ago 


80  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

John  Hathaway  was  suddenly  taken  very  ill — he  is  much 
better — has  been  on  deck  most  of  the  day,  and  I  think 
with  proper  care,  will  be  well  in  a  day  or  two.  He  is  my 
best,  steadiest  man,  and  I  have  done  all  in  my  power  for 
him. 

Again,  let  me  beg  of  you,  my  dear  Nancy,  not  to  give 
way  to  your  too  great  anxiety  for  me.  My  voyage,  'tis 
true,  has  been  thus  far  a  disagreeable  one,  and  the  event 
of  it  will  disappoint  the  hopes  and  expectations  of  the 
owners.  But  comfort  yourself,  my  sweet  Friend,  with 
the  hope  that  we  soon  shall  meet  and  be  happy  together. 
If  fortune  has  not  smiled  this  time — she  may  hereafter  be 
more  propitious — and  indulge,  with  me,  the  pleasing  idea 
that  you  and  I  are  not  dependent  on  her  fickle  favours  for 
happiness. 

Be  careful  of  yourself,  my  dear  girl,  of  your  health,  and 
your  spirits — for  my  sake,  as  well  as  your  own.  Remem- 
ber that  all  that  is  left  to  your  friend  to  hope  for  in  this  life, 
is  dependent  on  you.  Adieu,  my  dearest  Nancy,  and  rest 
ever  assured  of  the  unalterable  Affection  of  your  own 

Russell. 

Per  Brig  Juno,  Capt.  Richmond. 

Havana,  Feby.  10th,  1803. 
My  Dear  Ann: 

I  have  just  time  by  this  opportunity  to  say  that  I  am  safe 
in  port  after  a  passage  of  twenty-one  days.  In  a  very 
heavy  gale  of  wind  I  lost  the  greater  part  of  my  horses  and 
the  remainder  are  much  injured.  I  have  this  day  landed 
them  and  having  been  but  thirty  hours  in  port  I  could  not 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  81 

set  down  to  write  you  till  this  moment,  and  'tis  now  past 
Midnight  and  so  nearly  worn  down  do  I  feel,  that  nothing 
but  writing  to  you,  my  dear  girl,  could  keep  my  eyes  open 
for  a  moment.  I  had  the  pleasure  to  see,  in  a  few  minutes 
after  I  anchored — B.  J.  Munroe — J.  Wardwell — together 
with  Nat.  Gladding  and  twenty  more  old  acquaintances 
in  my  Cabin.  You  can  imagine  what  a  meeting — what  a 
feast  it  was  to  me.  I  am  sure  I  cannot  describe  it.  For 
myself — my  health  never  was  better,  and  I  have  no  reason 
to  apprehend  any  difficulty  about  any  part  of  my  business; 
but  how  long  I  shall  be  detained  is  uncertain,  as  I  have  yet 
made  no  calculation  respecting  my  future  proceedings  in 
the  voyage. 

My  dear  little  friend,  do  let  this  find  you  cheerful,  and 
try  to  support  and  keep  up  your  spirits.  Do  not  say  that 
it  reads  too  much  like  a  letter  on  mere  business.  You 
know  the  heart  of  your  husband  too  well  to  suspect  him 
for  a  moment  of  coldness  towards  you,  but  I  am  really 
almost  exhausted  with  fatigue.  Capt.  Wardwell's  Schooner 
is  to  sail  in  about  four  days,  when  I  hope  I  shall  have  time 
to  say  a  fart  of  what  I  wish  to  you.  Again  let  me  repeat, 
my  sweet  friend,  that  you  must  keep  up  your  spirits  and 
trust  in  that  Kind  Power  which  has  hitherto  protected 
me,  and  who  will  doubtless,  in  due  time,  restore  me  to  you 
and  to  happiness. 

Good  night  my  dear  Ann,  and  may  every  blessing  be 
yours. 

So  prays  in  deed  and  in  truth 

Your  J.  W.  Russell. 


82  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Per  Schooner  Joseph,  Capt.  Thurston. 

Havana,  Feby.  14th,  1803. 
My  Dear  Friend  : 

I  wrote  you  a  few  days  since  by  Capt.  Richmond  who 
sailed  for  N.  York,  which  I  hope  came  safely  to  hand — as 
it  would  inform  you  of  my  safe  arrival  and  I  am  sure  would 
remove  a  weight  of  anxiety  from  your  mind.  To  keep 
you,  my  dear  Ann,  from  being  over  anxious  will  always 
be  my  principal  anxiety  when  absent  from  you,  for  if  I 
can  think  that  you  are  Safe  and  Happy,  I  shall  in  almost 
any  situation  feel  tolerable  easy.  The  misfortune  of  losing 
a  great  part  of  my  horses  on  my  passage  and  the  injury 
which  the  others  sustained  has  been  a  great  misfortune  to 
my  voyage — but  I  still  hope,  on  the  whole  to  do  well.  The 
other  part  of  my  business  will  turn  out  tolerably  well, 
although  not  equal  to  my  expectations,  and  the  risky  which 
has  given  you  so  much  uneasiness,  is  now  thank  God,  at 
an  end. 

Sometimes  I  harass  myself  with  thinking  whether  I  have 
omitted  to  do  everything  that  was  in  my  power  for  your 
comfort  and  convenience;  and  whether  I  have  done  all 
that  I  could  to  save  you  trouble  and  anxiety  in  my  absence, 
I  hope  I  have.  But  still  I  cannot  help  being  anxious — 
fearful  too  that  your  situation  might  more  than  ever 
require  the  fond  attentions  of  your  husband.  Should  it 
be  so,  my  love,  take  every  care  of  yourself,  and  may  every 
good  angel  guard  you.  I  hope  you  have  Mrs.  Keith  with 
you,  and  had  much  enjoyment  in  her  valued  society.  I 
persuade  myself  that  Mr.  and  Miss  Russell  will,  for  both 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  83 

our  sakes,  continue  their  friendly  attentions.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Mosher  I  am  sure  will  not  forget  you.  I  am  hourly 
looking  for  Capt.  Eddy,  by  whom  I  hope  to  have  a  letter. 
I  hardly  knew,  my  dear  Ann,  how  happy  I  had  been 
with  you  till  I  find  myself  alone,  after  having  been  so  long 
blessed  with  your  Society — but  that  Happiness  will  I  trust 
again  be  mine.  I  shall  now  have  frequent  opportunities 
of  writing,  and  I  hope  soon  to  be  able  to  tell  you  when  to 
expect  me.  My  love  to  all  who  deserve  it,  and  especially 
to  your  respected  father. 

I  am,  as  ever,  dear  Ann,  your  own 

Russell. 

Per  Capt.  W.  S.  Brown,  via  Providence. 

Havana,  March  8th,  1803. 
My  dear  Nancy: 

Six  days  ago  by  an  accidental  misstep  on  my  Deck  I 
turned  my  ankle  and  spread  the  bones  of  my  foot  badly. 
It  immediately  swell'd  to  near  twice  the  size  of  the  other 
foot  and  has  proved  a  painful,  ugly  business.  I  have  been 
closely  confined  to  my  cabin  till  yesterday.  How  much  I 
have  missed  you,  how  much  I  have  wanted  your  kind  at- 
tentions, let  your  own  heart  tell  you,  my  love.  Yester- 
day I  went  in  my  boat  to  Havana,  (My  Brig  is  lying  at 
Regla  3  miles  from  town)  saw  a  ship  coming  in,  went  on 
board  and  to  my  great  joy  it  proved  to  be  Capt.  Eddy,  the 
bearer  of  a  Letter  from  my  dear  Ann.  It  was  only  8  days 
date  after  I  left  you,  but  yet  my  love,  you  had  already 
miss'd  me,  and  could  find  many  good  tender  things  to  say 


84  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

to  your  friend.  To  hear  from  you — to  hear  you  were  well, 
was  a  feast  which  those  only,  can  relish  who  have  been 
in  similar  situations  and  who  possess  feelings  like  mine. 
It  was  a  luxury,  my  Friend,  which  to  me,  was  a  treat 
indeed. 

I  feel  very  grateful  to  Mr.  and  Miss  Russell  for  the  con- 
tinuance of  their  kind  attentions  to  you  and  that  you  find 
more  rational  enjoyment  in  their  Society  than  any  where 
else,  I  can  readily  believe.  You  mention  our  good  aunt 
DeWolf ,  and  your  intention  of  spending  a  day  with  her, 
as  if  you  almost  thought  I  should  not  think  it  was  right. 
Surely,  my  love,  you  had  no  reason  for  a  doubt  of  that 
kind,  you  well  know  how  highly  I  think  of  that  best  of 
women,  and  I  well  know  how  richly  she  deserves  the  large 
share  which  I  know  she  possesses  in  your  affections.  Why 
then  should  you  deprive  yourself  of  the  society  of  one  so 
deservedly  dear  to  you. 

I  have  a  thousand  things,  my  dear  girl  to  say  to  you,  and 
had  I  time  to  say  them  all  I  should  then  find  a  thousand 
more  to  say.  Since  the  receipt  of  your  letter  I  am  more 
than  ever  solicitious  for  your  health  and  safety.  Think, 
my  Love,  what  I  should  say  to  you;  by  and  by  I  shall  come 
and  whisper  it  in  your  ear.  Be  not  anxious  on  my  ac- 
count, my  health  was  never  better.  My  foot  tho'  still 
swell'd  and  painful,  is  daily  getting  better  and  will  soon  be 
well.  I  have  this  day  begun  to  load  and  expect  to  sail 
about  the  last  of  this  month. 

Capt.  E.  Bourn,  of  Iverton,  will  sail  in  a  few  days  when 
I  shall  again  write,  and  I  hope  be  more  at  leisure;  this 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  85 


opportunity  is  unexpected.  But  I  let  no  opportunity  slip 
without  dropping  at  least  a  line  to  you.  I  hope  you  will 
not  be  tired  with  my  so  frequent  scribbling.  I  have  a 
mind  to  blot  out  the  last  sentence,  the  thought  is  unworthy 
of  us  both.  Friend  Bourn  wrote  me  that  Barnard  Smith's 
sloop  was  preparing  for  this  port,  and  I  am  hourly  looking 
for  another  letter  by  her.  Adieu,  my  love,  my  best — my 
only  friend,  be  careful  of  yourself.  Rest  satisfied  on  my 
account.  I  shall  yet  do  well,  and  again  I  trust  be  happy 
with  my  Nancy.     Your  own  Russell. 

Per  Schooner  John,  Capt.  E.  Brown. 

Havana,  March  12th,  1803. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

I  regret  extremely  that  I  miss'd  the  opportunity  of  send- 
ing the  enclosed,  I  regret  it,  not  for  the  intrinsic  value  of 
the  letter — but  as  knowing  that  every  line  from  your  absent 
husband  will  be  gratifying  to  his  dear  Ann.  Since  writing 
the  enclosed,  Capt.  Spaulding  has  arrived  from  the  Coast. 
He  sailed  from  Gambia  on  the  8th  of  January,  at  which 
time  our  friend,  Wm.  Bradford,  had  not  arrived,  nor  was 
there  any  news  from  him.  I  know  not  what  to  think  on 
this  business — his  situation  is  at  least  very  doubtful. 
Should  any  accident  have  happened  to  him  it  will  be  a 
dreadful  stroke  to  his  family.  To  our  good  sister  Polly 
what  shall  I  say — comfort  her,  my  sweet  friend,  cheer  her 
with  hopes,  for  still  there  is  room  to  hope  he  is  safe.  Tell 
her  that  I  shall  get  all  the  information  in  my  power,  from 
every  arrival,  and  that  I  hope  to  bring  her  good  news. 


86  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

My  dearest,  best  friend,  the  hours  of  my  absence  begin 
to  roll  tediously.  I  had  hoped  ere  this  to  have  heard 
again  from  you  and  am  hourly  looking  for  some  R.  I. 
vessel,  when  I  expect  again  to  be  gratified  with  a  line 
from  the  dear  friend  of  my  heart.  You  may  be  assured 
that  I  shall  sail  as  soon  as  I  mentioned  in  the  enclosed, 
unless  some  accident  prevents.  My  lameness  is  better, 
altho*  my  foot  is  still  swell'd  and  painful.  I  begin  now  to 
count  the  days  when  I  shall  shape  my  course  again  to  my 
native  shore — to  the  arms  of  my  love  and  to  happiness. 

My  love  to  all  our  friends — I  hope  before  this,  you  are  in 
possession  of  half  a  score  of  my  letters,  and  I  earnestly 
pray  that  this  may  find  you  in  health  and  happiness. 
Adieu  my  love. 

May  God  bless  you.     J.  W.  R. 


Havana,  March  27th,  1803. 

Friend  Jack  intending  to  sail  this  day  and  I  not  being 
quite  ready,  once  more  I  scribble  a  few  lines  to  my  dear 
Nancy.  I  expected  to  be  the  bearer  of  the  next  letter 
myself,  but  a  disappointment  in  20  Hhds.  Molasses  has 
detained  me  a  little — in  4  days  at  furthest,  I  expect  to  sail. 
Capt.  Munroe  will  tell  you  how  things  go  here  better  than 
I  can  write.  Poor  Allen's  misfortunes  you  have  doubt- 
less heard  before  now.  I  have  hitherto  foreborne  to  men- 
tion it,  as  I  could  write  nothing  satisfactory,  and  even 
now  I  know  not  what  to  say.  My  heart  bleeds  for  him, 
and  I  have  interested  myself  as  far  as  my  influence  could 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  87 

extend,  in  his  favour.  He  will,  I  hope,  be  soon  released,* 
but  how  soon  is  uncertain.  Wardwell  and  Gladding 
have  found  difficulty  in  getting  their  property,  but  I  think 
it  is  not  so  bad  as  you  will  probably  hear  it  represented. 
I  have  much  pleasure  in  hearing  by  a  ship  from  the  Coast, 
that  Bradford  had  arrived  in  Sierra  Leona,  after  a  very 
long  passage.  I  believe  the  truth  of  it  may  be  depended 
upon. 

What  further  shall  I  say,  my  love — could  I  pour  out 
my  whole  heart  on  this  sheet  I  should  only  tell  you  that 
my  thoughts  and  my  wishes  are  continually  with  you, 
absent  from  you  I  am  absent  from  all  that  constitutes  my 
felicity,  but  soon,  my  sweet  wife  I  hope  to  join  you — again 
to  meet  your  smiles  and  be  happy  together,  and  should 
Providence  spare  our  lives,  I  trust  my  Love,  there  is  much 
good  in  store  for  us,  that  hand  in  hand  we  shall  walk  the 
path  of  life,  with  no  discord  to  mar  our  Peace,  no  clouds 
to  obscure  the  Horizon  of  our  affection. 

Do,  my  sweet  friend,  try  to  be  cheerly  and  preserve  your 
health,  for  my  sake  as  well  as  your  own. 

Adieu  my  dear  Ann.     My  love  to  our  friends. 

Your  own 

Russell. 

*  During  the  decade  before  the  War  of  1812  American  vessels  were 
seized,  literally  by  the  hundred,  in  the  ports  and  waters  of  the  West 
Indies  by  the  English  and  French,  under  pretext  of  violating  paper 
blockades  and  confiscatory  navigation  laws. 


88  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Boston,  Sunday  Even'g,  May  8th,  1803. 
My  dear  Nancy: 

When  I  left  my  own  dear  fireside  I  hoped  ere  this  to 
again  feel  its  enlivening  influence.  I  have  almost  ex- 
hausted my  patience  in  waiting  for  Lincoln.  As  I  was  now 
on  the  spot  I  wished  to  close  the  business  of  her  sales. 
The  Sloop  arriv'd  this  day,  and  luckily — for  several  hours 
since  her  arrival  it  has  snowed  heavily.  We  have  on  ma- 
ture deliberation  postponed  our  business  for  a  few  days 
till  we  learn  the  event  of  these  rumors  of  war.  You  will, 
of  course,  my  dear,  say  nothing  to  anyone  on  that  subject. 

Have  you  not  missed  me  very  much,  my  love?  As  for 
me,  I  never  passed  a  few  days  from  home  with  half  so 
much  regret.  I  have  tried  to  be  amused  and  to  be  busy, 
Dear,  but  it  all  wont  do — my  thoughts  are  continually 
with  you,  and  I  feel  that  Happiness  is  not  to  be  found 
when  absent  from  the  dear  Wife  of  my  heart.  I  shall  hurry 
my  business  as  fast  as  possible,  and  again  on  the  wings 
of  affection  fly  to  meet  the  Joy  of  my  heart.  Excuse  my 
abruptness,  the  mail  closes  in  five  minutes.  I  hope  to  be 
with  you  very  soon  after  you  receive  this,  till  when,  and 
ever,  my  dear  Ann 

May  God  bless  you. 

Your  J.  W.  Russell. 


Per.  Brig  Little  Ann 

Capt.  Townsend. 


Havana,  July  20th,  1803. 


My  dear  Nancy: 

I  enclose  the  very  earliest  opportunity  to  inform  the 
dear  Wife  of  my  Heart  that  I  am  once  more  safe  in  this 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  89 

port  after  a  tedious  passage  of  twenty  seven  days.  My 
Brig  is  entered  at  the  Custom  House,  and  I  yesterday  be- 
gan to  discharge.  It  is  a  very  bad  time  to  transact  any 
business  here.  Money  is  very  scarce,  and  in  fact  an  almost 
total  stagnation  in  every  branch  of  Commerce.  It  is 
however  more  healthy  than  I  had  reason  to  expect  at  this 
season. 

I  have  met  here  many  R.  Island  acquaintances,  Young 
Charles  DeWolf  among  the  rest.  Charles  has  made  him- 
self social  with  me,  and  I  have  treated  him  as  civilly 
as  my  feelings  would  allow  me.  But  nothing  here  can 
compensate  for  the  loss  of  Allen ;  with  him  I  could  have 
cheer ly  passed  the  lonely,  lingering  hours,  with  him  I 
could  have  chatted  about  old  times  and  talked — with  rap- 
ture talk'd  of  old  friends,  and  he  only  could  enter  into 
my  feelings  when  I  talk'd  of  all  I  hold  dear  on  earth.  Yet 
I  think  it  best  that  he  has  taken  this  trip — he  was  doing 
nothing  here,  and  a  little  is  better  than  nothing.  I  had 
the  great  satisfaction  on  the  day  I  parted  with  you  of  meet- 
ing our  mutual  friend  Mosher.  The  certainty  of  his  be- 
ing so  soon  at  home  was  a  source  of  much  pleasure  to  me, 
as  I  know  there  are  few  whom  you  will  more  rejoice  to 
see.  And  very  few  indeed  who  will  so  well  enter  into 
your  Feelings — sooth  Your  anxiety,  and  pay  all  those 
friendly  little  Attentions  to  you — alas,  that  I  should  be 
obliged  to  mention  any  other  person  as  paying  them  but 
myself.  My  heart  tells  me  'tis  from  me,  and  me  only,  that 
those  kindnesses  and  attentions  would  be  truly  gratifying 
to  you.     But  obliged  as  I  am  to  separate  so  often  from 


90  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

you,  it  is  a  matter  of  much  Consolation  to  me  that  you 
have  other  friends  in  whom  you  can  place  confidence  and 
whom  you  sincerely  love.  I  hope  you  have,  ere  this,  got 
over  the  fatigue  of  removal,  and  under  the  same  roof  with 
your  good  sister,  and  so  near  your  kind  indulgent  Father, 
I  hope  you  will  try  to  be  happy. 

You  cannot  conceive,  my  Dear,  how  much  anxiety  I 
have  felt  from  the  fear  that  I  have  neglected  many  things 
which  I  now  can  remember  I  ought  to  have  done  for  your 
Comfort  and  convenience.  Yet  you,  my  love,  I  know 
will  do  me  Justice.  The  little  time  I  spent  at  home  last, 
blest  with  you  and  too  happy  in  your  ever  dear  society,  I 
fear  that  I  too  much  neglected  to  look  forward.  Yet  I 
thank  God  that  I  was  able  to  leave  you  in  a  situation  to 
procure  whatever  your  Comfort  or  Convenience  may 
require.  You  well  know  my  wishes  in  that  respect  and 
I  hope  will  act  accordingly. 

I  hope  our  good  and  respected  friend,  Mr.  Russell,  will 
continue  to  call  often  upon  you.  Tell  him  that  if  he  is 
in  any  way  remiss  in  his  Attentions,  or  grudges  in  the 
least,  a  little  longer  walk  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  you, 
that  I  will,  on  my  return,  use  my  utmost  endeavors  to  get 
him  ousted  from  the  Collectorship,  and  I  know  very  well 
who,  (besides  Doctor  B)  has  an  eye  on  that  office. 

I  am  anxiously  looking  for  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Salis- 
bury, by  whom  I  confidently  expect  to  hear  from  you. 
Do  not,  my  dear  girl,  neglect  any  possible  chance  of  writ- 
ing to  me.  All  I  shall  have  to  support  my  spirits,  will  be 
The   Hope   of   hearing   often   from   you.     Hope — sweet 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  91 

soother  of  the  mind — to  Her  benign  influence  we  owe  very 
much  of  what  we  call  Happiness  in  this  world.  When 
Memory,  faithful  to  departed  joys,  leads  me  back  to  the 
scenes  of  real  bliss — of  happiness  unalloyed  which  I  have 
enjoyed  with  my  dear  wife,  Hope  kindly  smiles  and  bids 
me  to  believe  those  scenes  will  again  be  realized.  Trust 
me,  my  Love,  they  will  again  be  realized. 

I  expect  with  confidence,  my  love,  that  you  will  exercise 
all  your  Fortitude — that  you  will  call  the  rich  resources 
of  your  good  heart  to  your  aid,  and  not  give  way  to  De- 
spondency at  this  time — when  of  all  others — I  know  you 
will  be  subject  to  alarming  apprehensions.  In  this  expec- 
tation, my  lovely  Ann,  I  again  bid  you  adieu — commend- 
ing you  to  the  Protection  of  that  kind  Power  who  has 
hitherto  befriended  us.  My  love  to  all  those  whom  I 
love  in  truth.  When  you  remember  me  to  friend  Mosher 
and  wife  do  not  forget  little  Ruth  Ann.  Tell  her  I 
long  to  Kiss  her  dear  little  intelligent  Face.  Our  good 
sisters  are  very  warmly  remember'd  in  my  heart,  and  will 
be  while  I  am 

John  W.  Russell. 


92  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 


VII 

TO   THE   MOTHER   OF   LITTLE   BETSY 

THE  first  mention  in  the  shipmaster's  letters  of  an 
expected  "pledge  of  their  mutual  love,"  is  found 
in  the  following  pages  under  date  of  July  28th, 
1803.  He  is  again  in  Cuban  waters,  more  than  ever  tor- 
mented by  absence  from  her  whom  he  loved.  "Alas  I 
am  far  removed  from  you,"  he  writes  straight  from  the 
heart,  "  ...  at  the  moment  when  you  want  my 
tenderness  most."  He  fancies  her  half -anxious  smile  as 
she  busies  herself  with  her  "miniature  needle-work,"  and 
yearns  to  be  able  to  divert  her  attention  from  "thinking 
too  anxiously  on  the  expected  critical  hour." 

The  object  of  this  sweet  solicitude,  little  Elizabeth 
Bourne  Russell,  first  child  of  its  parents,  was  born  on 
September  11th,  1803,  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  Captain 
Russell  did  not  reach  Bristol  in  time  to  welcome  his  "  little 
Betsy"  into  the  world.  Less  than  three  weeks  before 
that  date  he  was  still  in  Havana,  "hoping  to  be  ready  to 
sail  in  six  days  at  the  farthest." 

How  long  he  remained  ashore  with  his  Nancy  and  their 
"  babe  "  is  not  known,  and  his  next  letters,  after  her  birth, 
are  written  from  Demerara  in  January  of  the  following 
year,  1804.  Now  his  thoughts  are  chiefly  of  small  Betsy 
and  he  shows  the  most  serious  concern  about  her  training, 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  93 

even  while  the  precious  mite  is  still  in  long  clothes.  Much 
so-called  literature  would  suffer  if  compared,  for  thought 
and  manner  of  expression,  with  many  of  the  passages  in 
the  following  letters  of  a  self-taught,  plodding  Yankee 
skipper  of  a  rough  school  in  a  rude  era. 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Russell,  Bristol,  R.  I. 

My  dear  Friend: 

It  is  only  a  week  since  I  wrote  you  by  the  Little  Ann. 
yet  I  feel  great  Pleasure  that  another  opportunity  has 
occurred  so  soon,  believing  as  I  do  that  you  will  not  be 
tired  of  my  scribbling  if  I  write  ever  so  often.  I  had 
hopes  ere  this  to  have  finished  discharging  my  Cargo,  but 
three  or  four  holidays  have  intervened,  and  we  have  to 
boat  it  all  to  a  considerable  distance.  In  two  days  more 
I  expect  to  have  all  out.  I  am  not  yet  certain  whether  I 
shall  purchase  any  molasses — it  is  scarce  and  high.  I 
may  possibly  get  a  little,  and  shall  get  the  remainder  in 
sugars  and  leave  here  as  quickly  as  possible.  I  have  been 
much  disappointed  at  Capt.  Salisbury's  not  arriving,  and 
fear  that  he  has  altered  his  voyage.  It  was  the  only 
Chance  by  which  I  expected  to  hear  direct  from  Home,  and 
every  hour  of  my  Absence,  my  anxiety  for  you,  my  love, 
increases. 

Why  could  I  not  be  with  you  at  this  Period,  when  the 
voice  of  Love  and  Tenderness  would  be  so  soothing  to  you. 
Ah,  my  sweet  Ann,  I  am  continually  with  you  in  imagina- 
tion.    I  see  you  with  a  half-anxious  smile  busy  yourself 


94  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

over  your  little,  miniature  needle  work — while  I  clasp  you 
in  my  arms  to  kiss  away  the  starting  tear.  Why  does 
the  dear  delightful  vision  fade  so  soon? 

Why,  my  dear  Nancy — why  is  it  that  I  cannot  be  with 
you,  to  chase  the  gloom  of  thoughtfulness  from  your  mind, 
and  to  divert  your  attention  from  thinking  too  anxiously 
on  the  expected  critical  hour.  Why  is  it  that  I  cannot 
whisper  to  you  in  the  accents  of  tenderness — in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  heart  and  say,  "be  not  alarmed  my  lovely 
wife,  I  have  confidence  in  the  kind  protecting  Care  of 
Providence  that  you  will  do  well."  Hitherto,  my  love,  we 
have  been  suffered  to  live  together  in  real,  substantial, 
domestic  happiness — no  Jealousy  has  disturbed  our  repose 
— no  Discord  has  marr'd  our  peace.  Let  us  then,  con- 
fidently hope,  that  should  heaven  bless  us  with  a  pledge 
of  our  mutual  love — that  it  will  be  a  new  and  lasting 
cement  to  that  kindred  Affection  which  has  hitherto 
united  us.  Let  us  call  to  Mind  the  new  and  serious  duties 
which  such  an  event  will  lay  open  to  us. 

Parents  and  heads  of  a  family.  It  is  indeed  a  serious 
and  important  charge — the  welfare  and  the  future  well- 
being  of  an  helpless  individual  intrusted  to  our  care  will 
call  for  all  our  attention  and  occupy  much  of  our  time. 
But  will  it  not,  my  love,  be  a  pleasing  occupation  ?  Trust 
me,  I  think  that  when  fulfilling  this  Duty,  we  shall  taste 
and  realize  such  Joys  as  the  world  knoweth  not  of,  neither 
intermeddleth  with.  What  was  it  that  I  sought  in  my 
Nancy — and  why  did  I  woo  an  interest  in  her  heart?  It 
was  as  a  partner  for  Life.     A  partaker  of  my  joys — a 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  95 

soother  of  my  cares  in  all  the  various  and  trying  scenes — 
one  with  whom  I  could  lay  up  in  season  a  fund  of  rational 
Pleasure  the  reflexion  of  which  would  be  our  comfort  in 
adversity,  our  joy  in  prosperity,  and  would  sooth  and 
support  us  in  the  down-hill  of  Life  and  "gild  with  smiling 
beams  the  evening  of  our  days."  Such  my  love,  would  be 
the  language  which  my  affection  would  prompt  me  con- 
tinually to  whisper  to  you.  At  this  distance  I  can  only 
pray  for  you,  and  send  you  my  best  and  warmest  wishes. 
I  hope  this  will  find  you  calmly  settled  in  your  new 
habitation,  and  anxious  for  nothing  but  my  safety.  Again 
and  again  let  me  remind  you  to  be  careful  of  yourself, 
and  not  to  be  anxious  for  me.  Adieu  my  Dear.  Heaven's 
best  blessings  on  you. 

Russell. 

Per.  Brig  Lion,  via  Boston. 

Havana,  Aug.  6th,  1803. 
My  dear  Friend: 

I  have  at  length  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you. 
Capt.  Salisbury  arrived  last  Sunday  after  a  very  long 
passage  and  though  your  letter  was  wrote  so  short  a  time 
after  I  sailed,  yet  it  gave  me  more  satisfaction  by  far,  than 
anything  that  has  occurred  since  I  parted  with  you.  I 
have  had  two  men  sick,  but  they  are  both  recovered,  and 
we  are  all,  thank  God  in  good  health.  Capt.  Comall  has 
been  peculiarly  unfortunate  having  buried  three  here,  one 
of  them  a  black  boy  of  Col.  Church's. 

It  is  excessively  hot  here  at  this  season  and  I  am  ex- 
tremely anxious  to  get  away.     Anxious,  my  love,  on  many 


96  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

accounts,  but  chiefly  on  yours.  I  know  you  will  endeavor 
to  keep  up  your  spirits,  but  I  fear  the  Exertion  will  be  too 
much  for  you. 

The  pathetic  manner  in  which  you  described  your  feel- 
ings after  I  had  sail'd,  has  drawn  tears  from  eyes  that  are 
not  often  wet.  Yet  your  natural  fortitude  aided  by  the 
kind  attentions  which  I  know  you  will  receive  from  a  few 
good  hearts  will,  I  hope,  enable  you  to  pass  the  time  with 
some  degree  of  cheerfulness  till  we  meet  again. 

Tho'  fools  spurn  Hymen's  gentle  powers, 
We — who  improve  his  golden  hours 

By  sweet  experience  know 
That  marriage  rightly  understood 
Gives  to  the  tender  and  the  good 

A  Paradise  below. 

Be  careful  of  yourself,  my  dearest  Nancy.  Remember 
it  is  a  duty  you  owe  both  to  me  and  yourself,  at  this  time 
to  keep  your  mind  as  easy  as  possible.  That  you  will  do 
so  my  love,  I  hope  and  trust,  and  may  God  protect  and 
bless  you.     Adieu.     Your  R. 


Per.  Brig  Bayard, 

via  Newport. 

Havana,  Augt.  11th,  1803. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

I  wrote  you  on  the  6th  inst.  by  Brig  Lion,  bound  to 

Boston,  but  as  she  did  not  sail  till  Yesterday  I  think  it 

probable  that  this  may  reach  you  first.     Although  in  this 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  97 

dull  round  of  business  here,  nothing  new  or  material  has 
occurred — for  each  succeeding  day  brings  only  a  repeti- 
tion of  the  perplexities  of  the  preceding,  yet  I  feel  it  my 
bounden  duty  to  inform  my  lovely  wife  how  I  am,  by  every 
possible  opportunity.  I  have  this  day  begun  to  take 
Molasses  for  the  first  time;  as  I  expect  to  take  but  little, 
and  a  few  sugars.  I  hope  it  will  not  be  many  days  before 
I  shall  be  ready  to  leave  this  odious,  detested  place.  My 
anxiety  has  of  late  been  in  some  measure  alleviated  by 
the  society  of  our  friend  Wm.  Bradford.  He  is  the  only 
Person  here  with  whom  I  can  chat  of  old  times  and  talk 
of  those  we  love  best,  who  while  he  listens  can  enter  into 
my  Feelings.  Last  evening  as  we  took  our  coffee  together 
I  could  see  the  tears  of  Pleasure  glisten  in  his  eye  when  I 
observed,  how  happy  it  would  be  if  our  friends  could  know 
at  that  moment  that  we  were  seated  at  the  same  table, 
both  in  health  and  both  calling  up  former  scenes  to  recol- 
lection. 

You,  my  love,  have  many  friends  with  you  who,  I  trust 
when  they  talk  of  your  husband  can  enter  into  your  feel- 
ings, and  some  of  them  whom  I  hope,  will  speak  of  him 
sometimes  for  his  own  sake.  It  is  a  very  great  comfort  to 
me  that  you  have  such  friends  with  you,  sensible  as  I  am 
that  you,  at  this  period*  will  want  all  their  Attention, and 
will  doubly  feel  every  instance  of  their  Goodness.  Yet 
I  cannot  reconcile  it  to  myself  that  I  am  not  with  you. 
The  soothing  voice  of  your  husband,  at  this  time,  I  know, 
would  be  more  dear  to  you  than  anything  else. 

*  Referring  to  the  expected  birth  of  their  first  infant. 


98  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I  bid  you  good  night  my  love,  and  for  the  present 
Adieu.     Your  own  Russell. 


Havana,  Augt.  13th,  1803. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

.  .  .  I  hope  very  soon  to  be  away.  I  have  one  man, 
Danl.  Greer,  by  name,  who  is  very  sick,  but  I  think  he 
will  recover,  the  rest  of  us  all  well.  But  I  ought  not  to 
conceal  from  you,  my  dear,  that  it  is  quite  sickly  in  the 
fleet.  Capt.  Salisbury  has  three  men  sick  on  shore — two 
of  them  probably  past  recovery,  and  scarce  a  vessel 
escapes.  Thus  far  we  have  been  highly  favoured.  This 
goes  by  Capt.  Wm.  Sanford  Brown,  of  Providence,  an 
old  friend  of  mine,  who  has  promised,  if  he  passes  through 
Bristol  to  call  on  you.  I  know  you  will  rejoice  to  see  any 
person  who  has  seen  me,  and  as  an  esteemed  Friend  of 
mine  I  am  sure  you  will  welcome  him.  Not  having  time 
to  write  to  any  other  person,  you  will  shew  this  to  those 
concerned  in  my  business,  and  with  my  love  to  all, 

Am  etc.  J.  W.  Russell. 

A  cold  letter  of  business — my  love — No,  tho'  the  Capt. 
is  waiting  it  wont  do — for  I  have  a  thousand  things  to 
say  to  you,  but  I  cannot  commit  them  to  paper.  Very 
soon,  I  shall,  God  willing,  be  with  you.  Again  to  see  you 
and  be  happy!  Again  to  speak  to  you  in  the  accents  of 
tenderness  and  love;  this  hope,  my  dear  girl,  is  all  that 
supports  me  in  this  truly  horrid  place. 

Adieu  my  dear.     Your  J.  W.  R. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER  99 


Per.  Sloop  Caroline, 

Capt.  Cornell. 

Havana,  Augt.  22nd,  1803. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

Tomorrow  Capt.  Cornell  will  sail.  It  has  been  a  busy 
day  with  me,  yet  I  feel  a  Pleasure  in  stealing  a  few  mo- 
ments from  sleep  to  write  my  dear  Nancy.  I  have  this 
day  begun  to  take  sugars,  and  if  the  weather  should  be 
good  I  expect  this  day  week  to  shape  my  course  for  home. 
I  have  now  reason  to  hope  that  my  absence  from  you  will 
not  be  longer  than  the  time  I  set  when  I  sailed,  yet  it  has 
been  much  too  long  to  answer  the  impatience  of  my  feel- 
ings, for  never  did  I  feel  half  so  much  anxiety  to  be  at 
home,  and  never  had  I  more  reason  to  be  disgusted  with 
a  voyage  than  the  present.  Yet  I  have  some  reasons  to 
reckon  myself  fortunate;  while  others  are  daily  burying 
their  men,  my  crew  have  been  thus  far  preserved.  My  sick 
man,  whom  I  mentioned  in  my  last,  is  now,  I  believe,  out 
of  danger,  tho'  he  has  had  a  hard  struggle  and  is  still  weak 
and  low.  Captain  Cornell  has  promised  to  call  on  you 
for  my  sake,  and  I  am  certain  you  will  be  glad  to  see  him. 
Yet — I  cannot  help  reflecting  that  you  may  be  in  a  situa- 
tion not  to  be  able  to  see  him.  This  is  continually  in  my 
thoughts.  Could  I  be  with  you,  my  love,  to  chase  the  tear 
of  anxiety  from  your  face — to  check  your  anxious  fore- 
bodings, and  sooth  your  trembling  heart  with  hope — to 
take  part  in  all  your  cares  and  lull  your  anxious  fears  to 
rest — I  should  then  be  happy.  But,  Alas!  I  am  far  re- 
moved from  you;  the  Friend — the  Husband — the  Partner 


100  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

of  your  Heart,  is  not  near  you  at  the  moment  when  you 
want  his  tenderness  most.  Yet,  soon,  my  sweet  girl,  he 
will  be  with  you,  again  to  hold  you  in  his  arms — again  to 
seek  your  Happiness  and  again  to  be  happy  in  finding 
you  so. 

A  Schooner  arrived  a  few  days  since,  Capt.  Thayer,  from 
Newport.  I  was  muchdisappointed  at  having  no  Letters, 
especially  as  Capt.  Thayer  told  me  he  saw  Col.  Wardwell 
a  few  days  previous  to  sailing  and  informed  him  of  his  des- 
tination. Yet  the  want  of  a  letter  from  you  I  never  can 
impute  to  want  of  inclination,  and  if  I  chuse  to  scold  you 
I  hope  soon  to  be  in  a  situation  to  do  it  face  to  face.  In 
the  mean  time,  My  dear  Nancy,  may  the  Almighty's 
choicest  blessings  rest  upon  you  and  may  you  rest  safe 

under  his  holy  protection. 

Yours  ever 

John  W.  R . 

Per.  Brig  Joseph, 

Capt.  Salter. 

Demerara,  Jany.  19th,  1804. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

I  hope  you  received  a  hasty  line  which  I  wrote  you 
from  Surinam  by  Capt.  Wheaton  of  Providence.  I  ar- 
rived here  three  days  since  and  have  come  to  a  worse 
market  by  far  than  ever  I  yet  brought  a  Cargo  to.  I  am 
selling  off  my  Deck  load  and  shall  then  leave  this  place 
immediately  and  try  my  luck  among  some  of  the  Islands, 
but  with  very  little  encouragement  of  anything  better  than 
a  mere  ruinous  voyage.  I  would  must  cheerfully  sacrifice 
five  hundred  Dollars,  for  my  own  part,  if  I  and  my  prop- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         101 

erty  were  withdrawn  from  it.  But  though  I  cannot  help 
sensibly  feeling  the  very  great  loss  which  I  know  I  must 
suffer,  yet  I  endeavor  not  to  be  too  much  depressed,  and 
often  console  myself  that  I  have  still  a  home  to  fly  to  in 
adversity.  I  have  still  a  lovely  wife  who  will  receive  me 
with  open  arms,  even  when  fortune  frowns,  I  have  still — 
I  hope — a  darling  Infant,  who  will  smile  in  my  face,  and 
look  Delight  to  my  heart  when  oppressed  with  care  and 
misfortune.  If  I  could  at  this  moment  only  know  of  the 
well-fare  of  you  and  our  sweet  Betsy*  I  think  I  could  be 
comparatively  happy.  I  fear  you  will  think,  my  Love, 
that  I  am  in  a  complaining  mood — 'tis  true  I  have  enough 
to  make  me  so — but  I  assure  you  I  have  kept  up  my  spirits 
hitherto  tolerably  well.  And  now  have  you  not  found  in 
the  caresses  of  our  darling  Babe  a  solace,  that  has  made 
you  nearly  forget  our  Separation? 

I  need  not  caution  you,  my  love,  to  be  tender  of  the 
sweet  Innocent — but  there  is  such  a  thing,  my  Nancy,  as 
a  false  tenderness  and  I  am  not  certain  but  I  ought  to 
caution  even  you  against  it.  Whenever  Tenderness — 
even  the  tenderness  of  a  Mother  degenerates  into  weak- 
ness, it  is  no  longer  a  Virtue.  You  may  rely  upon  it,  that 
the  seeds  of  virtuous  and  vicious  Habits  are  much  earlier 
sown  than  we  generally  imagine,  and  even  at  this  tender 
age  our  little  Betsey  might  from  a  false  and  over  refined 
tenderness  on  your  part,  contract  habits  which  may  here- 
after cost  you  many  tears  to  eradicate,  and  the  effects  of 

*  Elizabeth  or  "  Betsy,"  the  baby  about  whom  Captain  Russell  has 
been  writing,  was  born  Sept.  11,  1803. 


102  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

which  may  remain  through  Life.  Again  this  foolish 
weakness — improperly  called  Tenderness — I  would  cau- 
tion you,  my  love.  Yet  I  hope  and  believe  that  your  good 
Sense  will  predominate,  and  that  you  will  never  forget 
that  whether  our  child  shall  be  a  Blessing  or  a  curse  to  us 
depends — greatly  depends  on  you.  I  should  like  to  know 
if  you  are  not  at  this  moment  hovering  over  a  warm  fire, 
while  I  am  sitting  in  my  gown  and  trowsers,  my  cabin 
windows  all  open,  and  wiping  the  sweat  from  my  fore- 
head. But  recollect  that  we  are  twenty-five  hundred 
miles  apart.  No  distance  however,  can  ever  separate  me 
in  mind  from  my  lovely  family.  With  them  all  my  best 
Wishes  are  centered,  and  to  them  all  my  Contemplations 
tend.  You  may  expect  to  hear  from  me  again  soon,  as 
the  Yankees  swarm  here  like  bees.  God  bless  you,  my 
dear  Ann  and  our  little  Betsey. 

Yours  ever,    J.   W.    Russell. 

Per.  Brig  Harriot  via  Norwich. 

Demarara,  January  1st,  1804. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

A  Brig  is  now  under  sail  for  New  London,  an  opportun- 
ity which  I  did  not  know  before  of — and  though  I  have 
written  you  both  from  Surinam  and  this  place,  yet  I  wish 
by  every  possible  chance  to  have  you  hear  from  me. 
Having  disposed  of  my  Deck  load  I  shall  leave  this  place 
in  a  few  days  for  some  of  the  Islands.  I  have  no  prospect 
before  me  but  of  a  very  bad  voyage,  but  thank  God — I 
have  my  health  and  hope  I  shall  live  through  it — live  once 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         103 

more  to  embrace  my  dear  Nancy  and  her  sweet  Babe. 
With  your  many  valuable  Friends  around  you,  I  trust  you 
find  sources  of  happiness  unknown  in  this  swamp-sur- 
rounded, Heaven-forgotten  Country. 

Your  own  J.  W.  Russell. 


Per.  Capt.  Walker. 

Demeraea,  Feby.  7th,  1804. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

When  I  wrote  you  last  I  was  in  hopes  ere  this  time  to 
have  sailed  from  hence,  but  here  I  still  am,  and  shall 
probably  be  a  week  longer. 

It  would  be  a  great  relief  to  me  amid  the  fatigues  of  a 
ruinous  Voyage  if  I  could  hear  from  home  and  once  more 
learn  the  situation  of  my  dear  wife  and  child,  but  of  this 
I  have  very  little  reason  to  expect  for  among  the  shoals  of 
American  Vessels  that  arrive — sometimes  8  or  10  in  a  day 
— not  one  but  the  Little  Ann  is  from  R.  Island.  And 
lucky  it  is  for  my  Neighbors  that  they  avoid  this  market 
at  this  moment,  except  they  should  come  with  cargoes  of 
Lumber,  which  are  still  in  good  demand.  I  returned 
last  night  from  a  fatiguing  trip  up  the  river  in  my  Boat — 
and  must  set  out  again  this  morning,  so  that  before  sun- 
rise I  am  writing  this  hasty  line.  There  will  be  several 
vessells  to  sail  in  a  few  days  for  the  Northwd.  To  our 
dear  little  Betsey  you  must  talk  often — very  often  of  her 
Papa.  Teach  her  to  be  good,  teach  her  to  be  like  your- 
self. She  will  then  make  us  happy — truly  so.  Nat  sends 
his  love  to  his  friends,  he  is  very  hearty,  behaves  well, 


104  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

and  is  quite  useful.     I  wish  I  could  say  the  same  of  all 
my  crew. 

I  must  bid  you  good  bye  for  the  present.  God  bless 
you,  my  dear  Nancy,  so  wishes  in  all     Sincerity 

your  own 

Russell. 

Per.  Capt.  Gilman,  via  Portsmouth. 

Demeraka,  Feby.  12th,  1804. 

From  the  fatigue  and  anxiety  of  a  dull  and  perplexing 
business — from  the  noise  and  unmeaning  bustle  of  the 
Crowd — I  am  retired  to  my  cabin  for  a  moment,  with  the 
dear  friend  of  my  heart.  How  very  different,  my  love,  I 
used  to  pass  the  "Sabbath's  peaceful  day,"  when  after 
attending  the  solemn  duties  of  publick  worship,  my  own 
tranquil  abode  received  me;  my  smiling  Infant  and  cheer- 
ful Wife  welcomed  my  returning  steps.  When  I  compare 
my  present  situation  with  the  happiness  of  my  dear  home 
I  could  almost  wish  at  times,  that  Memory  would  not  be 
so  faithful  to  joys  departed.  Yet  such  a  wish  were  un- 
grateful, for  though  a  review  of  the  happiness  which  is 
gone  and  past  always  calls  forth  a  tender  melancholy, 
yet  there  is  a  luxury  in  the  mental  repast  of  such  Review 
that  I  would  not  forego  for  the  world.  And  no  doubt  this 
Principle,  this  Faculty  was  implanted  in  us  by  the  Author 
of  our  being  for  the  best  of  purposes — namely  to  add  to 
our  happiness.  For  we  are  in  a  great  measure  the  crea- 
tures of  imagination;  and  if  our  reasoning  powers  are 
sufficiently  strong  to  dispel  gloomy  ideas  and  introduce  in 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         105 

their  stead  those  of  an  agreeable  cast,  we  can,  as  it  were,  at 
pleasure  make  our  own  Happiness.  For  instance — when 
I  walk  my  deck  on  a  lonely  evening  and  recall  to  mind  the 
scenes  of  domestic  happiness  which  have  been  mine,  how 
natural  for  imagination  to  step  in  and  paint  to  my  mind's 
eye  the  figure  of  my  Nancy  and  her  lovely  Babe.  I  view 
each  feature  of  the  little  Innocent  with  rapture,  I  catch 
with  pleasure  each  opening  smile,  and  while  I  look  for- 
ward to  the  uncertainty  of  her  future  Destiny,  I  very 
often  pursue  the  idea  in  imagination  till  I  feel  the  tear 
of  paternal  Anxiety  starting  in  my  eye.  But  I  trust,  my 
lovely  friend,  that  the  period  is  not  very  distant  when  I 
shall,  in  delightful  reality  again  enjoy  in  the  bosom  of  my 
family. 

What  nothing  earthly  gives  or  can  destroy, — 
The  home's  calm  sunshine  and  the  perfect  joy. 

You  have  often  told  me,  my  Dear,  that  you  think  I  feel 
too  much  for  you  when  absent.  I  know  not  how  I  can 
prize  you  too  much — but  this  I  know,  that  the  longer  our 
Union  has  been,  the  stronger  I  find  the  ties  that  bind  me  to 
you  and  to  Happiness,  and  that  the  frequency  of  being 
separated  from  you,  so  far  from  lessening  the  pain,  only 
adds  to  its  poignancy.  'Tis  true  that  I  now  feel  an  addi- 
tional tie.  When  I  think  of  our  dear  little  Betsey,  the 
sensation  is  very  different  from  anything  I  ever  knew 
before.  'Tis  a  Pleasure  which  though  mingled  with 
painful  anxiety,  I  would  not  exchange  for  any  other  sen- 
sation.   Do,  my  dear  Nancy,  be  careful  of  our  sweet  babe 


106  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

— be  careful  too  of  yourself.     Indulge  no  unnecessary 
anxiety  for  me,  but  trust  that  I  shall  still  do  well.     *    *    * 
Adieu  my  own  dear  friend,  with 
all  my  best  wishes,  your 

J.  W.  Russell. 

Per.  Schooner  Patty  via  Boston. 

Basse  terre,  Guadaloupe  March  5th,  1804. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

Once  more  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  my  lovely 
friend  of  my  safety.  I  sailed  from  Demerara  Feby.  25th 
and  arrived  here  on  the  29th.  When  I  left  the  river  I 
had  two  men  sick  of  a  fever,  and  one  entirely  useless  by 
being  lame.  The  day  after  I  came  out  Mr.  Tew,  the 
mate,  was  taken  down  with  the  fever — so  bad  that  at  one 
time  I  quite  gave  him  over,  but  thank  God,  he  is  now 
apparently  out  of  danger,  tho'  very  weak  and  low.  The 
others  are  recovered.  On  my  passage  up  I  was  boarded 
by  2  British  ships,  who  put  an  officer  and  4  men  on  board 
and  ordered  me  to  Antigua,  under  'pretense  that  I  was 
attempting  to  enter  Martinique,  which  is  blockaded,  but 
after  detaining  me  24  hours,  they  thought  proper  in  the 
plentitude  of  their  goodness  to  suffer  me  to  proceed. 
From  this  detail  you  will  judge  my  friend,  that  I  had  a 
very  unpleasant  passage,  in  truth  so  much  so,  that  on 
my  arrival  here,  I  was  quite  worn  down  with  watching, 
anxiety  and  fatigue.  Here  too  I  find  the  markets  very 
bad,  but  have  determined  for  many  reasons  to  sell  the 
remainder  of  cargo  without  trying  any  further. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         107 

In  the  midst  of  my  troubles,  you  will  rejoice  to  hear 
that  I  have  met  with  a  very  unexpected  pleasure  by  finding 
at  this  place  my  old  friend,  Nat.  Gladding.  He  sailed 
from  home  five  weeks  after  me,  and  assures  me  that  my 
Nancy  and  our  dear  little  one  were  then  well.  You 
know  that  he  ranks  high  in  my  esteem,  but  you  can  hardly 
conceive  what  a  luxury  it  is  to  have  for  the  first  time  in 
nearly  three  months,  a  friend  with  me  to  whom  I  can 
talk  with  confidence  of  my  family,  and  who  is  capable  of 
entering  into  my  feelings.  His  society  has  been  indeed  a 
very  great  relief  to  me.  But  as  I  think  not  to  be  detained 
here  long,  I  hope  very  soon  to  be  with  that  society  where 
alone  I  can  be  truly  happy.  Dear  little  Betsy !  You  can 
hardly  imagine,  my  friend,  how  much  of  my  time  has 
been  occupied  by  the  image  of  that  Innocent.  If  Heaven 
has  been  pleased  to  continue  you  both  in  health,  I  think 
she  must  have  been  a  source  of  much  comfort  to  you  in 
my  absence.  May  she  long  continue  to  be  all  that  a  fond 
Parent's  warmest  affection  can  wish. 

It  has  so  frequently,  my  love,  been  my  lot  to  be  obliged 
to  inform  you  of  my  ill  success  when  abroad  and  to  re- 
count to  you  my  Troubles  and  Perplexities  that  I  fear  you 
will  think  I  am  always  in  a  complaining  mood.  Yet  I  do 
not  mean  ever  to  court  or  encourage  a  gloomy  and  com- 
plaining disposition.  And  I  most  sincerely  wish  I  had 
no  cause,  but  when  I  have  before  me  the  certainty  of  a 
very  losing  voyage  and  know  I  have  done  all  in  my  power 
to  render  it  otherwise  I  cannot  help  feeling  my  Disappoint- 
ment, and  to  whom  should  I  go  to  express  my  feelings,  if 


108  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

not  to  the  friend  and  partner  of  my  heart?  Are  you  not 
interested  in  everything  that  concerns  me?  And  will  not 
your  affection  lead  you  to  kindly  hear  all  my  complaints? 
Do  not  however  believe  that  I  feel  too  much  depressed — 
that  kind  Power  that  has  hitherto  preserved  me  in  Diffi- 
culties, will,  I  trust,  be  still  my  Protector,  and  again  re- 
store me  to  my  home  and  to  happiness.  Kiss  our  sweet 
baby  for  me  and  believe  me,  my  dear  Ann,  ever  yours 

J.  W.  Russell. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         109 


VIII 

THE  INTIMATE  JOURNAL  OF  A  VOYAGE  TO  EUROPE 

(The  letters  of  Capt.  Russell  to  his  wife  after  the  dates 
of  the  foregoing  chapter,  until  the  close  of  the  year  1804, 
were  written  in  the  form  of  a  journal.) 

Brig  Minerva,  at  Sea,  June  1  4th,  1804. 
My  Dearest  Friend  : 

You  may  remember  that  in  our  laughing  moments  I 
have  frequently  threatened  that  in  my  next  voyage  I 
would  make  no  remarks  in  my  journal  but  ordinary  sea 
occurrences.  You  always  told  me  that  you  did  not  be- 
lieve this,  as  you  were  sure  I  would  not  deprive  you  of  the 
Pleasure  which  you  were  pleased  to  say  the  perusal  of  my 
old  Journals  afforded  you.  If  I  live  to  return,  however, 
you  will  find  that  in  this  instance  I  have  kept  my  word  and 
put  my  threats  in  execution.  But  as  it  has  often  been 
a  great  relief  to  me  to  put  down  the  thoughts  and  feelings 
of  the  moment  on  paper,  and  as  I  wish  to  believe  that  you 
take  some  Pleasure  in  reading,  as  well  as  I  in  writing 
them — I  shall  now  take  another  Method.  Confining  my 
journal  strictly  to  ship  affairs,  I  shall  occasionally  express 
my  feelings  to  you  and  for  you  in  the  form  of  Letters,  of 
which  you  will  consider  this  as  a  beginning  of  a  series. 
Should  a  good  opportunity  occur  of  forwarding  any  packet 
to  you  when  abroad,  I  shall  improve  it.     If  not,  you  will 


110  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

have  them  to  peruse  when  I  return,  and  to  lay  by  for  the 
perusal  of  our  dear  Betsey,  should  she  live  to  feel  that 
lively  interest  in  all  that  concerns  her  Parents  which  I  hope 
and  trust  that  she  will. 

At  the  mention  of  our  lovely  Babe,  Home,  with  all  its 
pleasure  rushes  on  my  Imagination.  It  is  now  five  days 
since  I  left  you,  but  I  still  feel  the  warm  kiss  of  conjugal 
affection  on  my  lips;  still  see  the  smile  of  my  Infant,  un- 
conscious of  our  Separation,  and  feel  the  soft  pressure  of 
her  gentle  hand. 

You,  my  love,  will  have  our  Betsey  with  you,  a  source, 
I  hope,  of  hourly  and  increasing  satisfaction.  Be  com- 
forted then,  and  let  me  not  have,  added  to  the  unavoid- 
able pangs  of  separation,  the  corroding  thought  that  you 
do  not  bear  it  as  you  ought;  but,  my  dear,  you  will  bear 
it  as  you  ought.  You  will  reflect  that  our  separation  was 
needful,  and  that  if  prosperous  now  for  a  few  voyages,  I 
may  then  be  able  to  remain  at  home,  when  you  and  our  child 
may  much  more  require  my  presence,  and  perhaps  be 
enabled — God  grant  that  I  may — to  spend  the  evening  of 
my  days  in  peace  and  competence,  in  the  bosom  of  those 
I  love. 

At  Sea,  June  17th,  1804. 
This  day  is  Sunday.  A  week  since  I  had  parted  from 
you,  and  while  attending  the  solemn  exercises  of  the  day 
a  thousand  things  recalled  to  my  mind  my  dear  Nancy 
and  her  Babe.  Two  hours'  ride  would  then  have  carried 
me  to  you,  now  many — very  many  leagues  of  Ocean  sep- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         111 

arate  us.  Yet  the  day  is  remarkably  pleasant,  and  more 
so  as  we  now  have  a  fair  wind — and  it  has  constantly  been 
right  ahead  for  five  days  past.  I  hope,  my  Love,  you 
have  been  able  to  spend  this  day  to  better  Purpose,  and 
more  congenial  to  your  Feelings  than  I  have.  You  will 
probably  attend  Public  Worship — some  part  of  the  day 
at  least.  You  will  see  those  you  love  and  when  you  return 
home  while  you  kiss  our  Betsey,  you  will  ask  her  — 
" where 's  her  Papa"  —  sweet  little  Innocent!  I  truly 
envy  you  the  pleasure  you  will  take  with  her.  Envy — no, 
that  I  dont.  I  rejoice  my  love,  that  you  have  such  a  con- 
solation— I  rejoice  and  am  thankful  that  you  will  have 
such  a  source  of  enjoyment  and  such  a  treasure  of  happi- 
ness to  sooth  your  feelings  in  my  absence.  May  health, 
innocence,  and  all  Heaven's  best  blessings  be  yours  and 
hers,  my  love.     Good  night. 

At  Sea,  June  24th,  1804. 
Tedious  and  slow  the  hours  move  on  when  absent  from 
those  I  love.  When  blessed  with  your  society,  my  sweet 
Wife — time,  unfelt,  uncounted,  glided  by.  I  have  now 
been  thirteen  days  at  sea,  the  whole  of  which  time,  with 
an  exception  of  only  thirty  hours  the  wind  has  been  ahead. 
In  consequence  of  which  I  have  gone  further  North  than 
I  otherwise  should  have  done — so  that  it  is  quite  cold. 
Last  night  we  had  excessive  heavy  rains,  then  entirely 
calm,  now  a  light  breeze  from  the  Westward  has  sprung 
up.  Once  more  we  have  a  fair  wind — but  so  very  foggy 
that  we  cannot  see  twice  the  vessell's  length.     One  day 


112  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


of  the  week  past  we  caught  two  fine  porpusses* — this  has 
afforded  us  plenty  of  oil  and  some  excellent  meals.  We 
expect  soon  to  be  on  the  Grand  Banks  of  Newfoundland — 
when  in  all  probability  we  shall  have  plenty  of  fish.  But 
while  I  am  thus  detailing  to  you  my  situation  and  my 
prospects,  what  are  you  about  my  love,  and  how  do  you 
spend  your  time?  But  at  this  distance  I  can  only  waft 
you  my  blessing,  and  say  to  both — Adieu.  J.  W.  R. 

Bhig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  July  1st,  1804. 
This  is  the  third  Sunday  I  have  spent  on  board.  This 
day  we  are  twenty  days  out  and  have  made  but  a  small 
part  of  our  Passage,  having  had  constant  head  winds  with 
the  exception  of  thirty  hours  only,  since  we  left  Newport. 
Every  day  has  been  foggy  but  for  a  week  past  it  has  been 
so  thick  that  at  mid-day  we  frequently  could  not  see  the 
vessell's  length.  The  cold  too  has  been  very  uncom- 
fortable. We  have  now  been  five  days  on  the  Grand 
Bank  of  Newfoundland — have  made  several  attempts  to 
fish — but  have  caught  only  four  Cod.  Yesterday  we  had 
a  very  heavy  gale  of  wind  from  S.  E.  with  violent  rains, 
wet,  cold  and  uncomfortable,  but  today  it  is  moderate 
and  were  it  not  for  the  thick  fog  it  would  be  pleasant.  I 
have  put  on  a  clean  shirt,  dry  clothes,  have  shav'd  myself 
and  have  set  down  for  a  few  moments  to  say  a  word  to 
the  dear  friend  of  my  heart.  Why  is  it,  my  dear,  that 
I  am  not  permitted  in  reality  to  sit  down  by  you  and  happy 
in  the  smile  of  my  wife  and  the  innocent  endearments  of 
*  The  shipmaster's  own  spelling. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         113 

our  sweet  child  to  pass  again  "the  Sabbath's  peaceful 
day."  Why  is  it  that  one  who  enjoys  himself  so  well 
with  his  friends — who  appreciates  so  highly  the  endearing 
joys  of  social  and  domestic  life — why  is  it  that  he  should 
be  obliged  to  pass  so  large  a  portion  of  his  time  in  a  man- 
ner so  discordant  to  his  feelings,  and  so  far  removed  from 
all  he  holds  dear?  Alas!  these  enquiries  are  fruitless — 
they  cannot  be  answered. 

"The  ways  of  Heaven  are  dark  and  intricate; 
Puzzled  with  mazes  and  perplexed  with  errors, 
Our  understanding  traces  them  in  vain 
Nor  sees  with  how  much  art  the  windings  run 
Nor  where  the  regular  confusion  ends." 

The  dealings  of  Providence  towards  us  are  certainly 
dark  and  mysterious — but  it  is  our  bounden  duty  never 
to  forget  that  our  concerns  are  in  the  hands  of  HIM  who 
"seeth  not  as  man  seeth." — and  "Where  we  cant  un- 
riddle learn  to  trust."  And  perhaps  it  would  be  no  very 
difficult  matter  to  demonstrate  that  the  dealings  of  Provi- 
dence even  in  the  allotment  of  the  things  of  this  Life,  are 
more  equal  than  we  are  at  first  view  disposed  to  believe. 
The  fair  way  of  doing  this  would  be,  when  we  are  dis- 
posed to  murmur  at  our  particular  allotment,  to  compare 
our  situation  with  that  of  others — not  of  Strangers,  but  of 
those  whom  we  know  best.  And  when  we  have  well 
weighed  all  their  enjoyments,  cast  into  the  other  scale 
what  we  know  of  their  anxieties,  of  their  secret  griefs,  to 
then  say — "who  is  there  with  whom  we  would  exchange 


114  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

situations?"  If  none — then  instead  of  murmuring,  we 
ought  to  bless  God  for  our  portion  of  happiness  and  be 
content.  May  His  blessing  ever  rest  on  my  dear  wife  and 
child. 

At  Sea,  July  4th,  1804. 

This  is  the  great  National  Holiday  throughout  the 
United  States.  A  day  of  feasting  and  rejoicing,  firing  of 
cannon  and  rabbling  of  drums,  a  day  for  drinking,  carous- 
ing and  all  kinds  of  tipsy  mirth,  a  day  for  Republican 
spouters  and  Republican  bawlers  to  regale  the  ears  of 
Republican  fools  with  republican  nonsense.  Yet  I  mean 
not  to  ridicule  the  occasion  of  this  festival.  No,  far  from 
it.  It  is — it  ought  to  be  a  proud  day  in  American  annals, 
and  long  I  trust  will  the  memory  of  the  Heroes  and  Sages 
of  this  day  be  held  in  grateful  veneration  by  every  genuine 
American.  But  the  mushroom  patriots  and  politicians 
of  our  times — headed  by  those  of  foreign  growth  with 
which  our  country  so  plentifully  abounds — who  will  bawl 
in  our  ears  this  day  the  wondrous  blessings  of  the  present 
administration,  and  talk  loudly  of  the  spirit  of  '76 — they 
know  as  little  about  what  that  spirit  means  as  I  do  of  the 
Chinese  language,  or  the  wonders  of  the  new  Utopia — 
the  delightful  Louisiana. 

Were  I  on  shore,  I  should  probably  be  sick  of  the  hub- 
bub of  the  day.  Indeed  I  am  sick  of  talking  of  it — away 
with  it!  Yet  I  should  like  to  know  how  you,  my  love, 
get  through  it.  I  think  you  will  not  stay  at  home.  It 
will  be  too  near  the  scene  of  action.     And  Cousin  Becca 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         115 

is  not  there  to  protect  you.  How  much  my  dear  friend, 
you  will  miss  that  honest,  worthy  girl,  especially  when 
I  am  absent,  but  I  hope  some  time  or  other  again  to  have 
her  with  us. — But  the  day — how  are  you  getting  through  it? 
I  remember  your  telling  me  that  you  spent  it  last  year  with 
your  Aunt  DeWolf.  Perhaps  you  will  take  little  Betsey 
in  your  arms  and  again  pass  the  time  with  that  good  and 
amiable  woman.  Alas — she  deserves  a  better  fate.  I 
fear  her  trials  have  been  too  much  for  her  and  that  she  is 
almost  broken-hearted.  Formed  to  be  the  delight  of  her 
friends — to  do  honor  to  society,  and  to  enjoy  social  and 
domestic  life  in  its  most  refin'd  state — I  still  have  hopes 
that  tranquility  and  happiness  may  yet  be  hers.  If  you 
are  with  her  this  day  I  know  it  will  be  a  comfort  to  her. 
Wherever  you  spend  it  my  love,  may  it  be  in  peace  and 
happiness,  and  at  evening  may  the  cheering  smiles  of 
our  darling  Babe  make  you  forget,  for  the  moment  the 
absence  of  your  husband 

J.  W.  R. 

Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  July  11th,  1804. 
One  month  has  now  elap'ed  since  I  sailed  from  Newport. 
The  first  three  weeks  we  had  almost  constant  head  winds, 
but  for  eight  days  past  we  have  had  a  very  fine  run — in- 
deed the  best  that  I  ever  made  in  the  same  space  of  time, 
and  we  are  now  drawing  something  near  to  soundings  on 
the  European  Coast.  The  weather  has  been  for  the  most 
part  foggy,  rainy,  cold  and  uncomfortable,  not  a  single 
pleasant  dry  day  have  we  had  on  the  Passage.     At  this 


116  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

moment  the  fog  is  so  thick  that  we  cannot  see  twice  the 
vessell's  length.  This  weather  has  been  very  unfavor- 
able for  my  poor  Danish  sailor  who  was  sick  when  we 
sail'd.  He  has  been  very  ill  the  whole  time,  has  a  con- 
stant distressing  cough,  and  there  is  but  little  probability 
that  he  will  ever  be  better.  I  am  however  favour'd  with 
a  good  Crew — at  least  thus  far  they  have  pleased  me  very 
much — which  is  a  very  great  relief  in  a  long  voyage.  How 
do  you  think  I  contrive  to  pass  away  the  time  on  such  a 
lengthy  passage?  Indeed,  my  sweet  friend,  I  hardly  know 
how  myself.  Keeping  my  people  employed  in  the  day 
time  takes  up  much  of  my  time,  I  read  some — though  I 
have  but  few  Books.  The  Bible  which  your  kind  atten- 
tion put  up  for  me  is  often  in  my  hands.  After  dinner 
I  generally  sleep  an  hour,  my  mind  being  then  most  at 
ease  as  all  the  people  are  then  on  Deck.  This  is  the  best 
rest  that  I  have.  "Then  sweet  is  my  sleep — and  my 
dreams  are  of  those  whom  I  love  best."  But  who  my 
sweet  friend  in  my  absence  shall  watch  by  the  cradle  of 
our  sleeping  Child — shall  wellcome  the  opening  eyes  and 
catch  her  endearing  smile?  Ah,  no  one  can,  at  least,  not 
with  a  Parents'  feelings.  Yet  this  privilege  is  yours  and 
grateful  it  must  be  to  your  Heart.  While  then  you  view 
our  Infant  with  a  Mother's  fondness — never,  Oh!  never 
for  a  moment  forget  a  Mother's  duty.  Great  and  import- 
ant is  your  charge,  my  love.  May  you  fullfill  it  wisely 
and  faithfully.     Adieu. 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         117 

At  Sea,  July  16th,  1804. 
We  have  had  a  head  wind  for  three  days  past — part  of 
the  time  laying  too — rainy,  cold  and  disagreeable — today 
it  is  more  favourable  and  very  moderate.  The  sun  has 
shone  out  for  eight  hours  this  day,  and  that  is  more  than 
we  have  had  of  Sunshine  at  one  time  on  our  passage.  Last 
night  I  got  soundings  in  85  fathom  water;  this  morning 
we  spoke  the  ship  Columbian — packet,  Capt.  Hunt, 
twenty  eight  days  from  Philadelphia  bound  to  Amsterdam. 
I  have  been  on  board  and  dined  there;  it  being  almost 
calm.  There  is  a  Gentleman  and  his  wife  passengers  on 
board — but  they  were  not  very  conversable — the  captain, 
however  was  social  and  having  been  last  year  in  Antwerp, 
I  obtained  some  information  from  him.  It  is  some  satis- 
faction my  dear  Nancy,  to  speak  with  any  ship  when  we 
have  been  many  days  at  Sea,  but  it  is  quite  a  treat  when 
we  are  thus  situated  and  can  meet  and  converse  with  a 
countryman.  It  seems  almost  like  meeting  an  old  friend. 
Friends !  Ah,  dear  friend  of  my  heart  where  are  you — do 
you  not  sometimes  cast  an  anxious  thought  "  on  him  that's 
far  awa'" — Often  do  his  thoughts  revert  to  you  and  his 
dear  Betsey. 


At  Sea,  July  17th,  1804. 

I  cannot  help  communicating  to  my  dear  Nancy  the 

pleasure  I  experienced  last  night.     Altho'  we  have  had  no 

very  bad  weather  yet  the  whole  passage  it  has  been  cloudy, 

rainy,  foggy  and  cold.     The  Moon  is  now  nine  days  old, 


118  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

last  night  I  saw  it  for  the  first  time — the  air  mild  and 
serene — light  breeze  and  sea  very  smooth.  I  staid  on 
Deck  till  10  o'clock  admiring  the  beauty  of  the  scene.  As 
the  sun  does  not  set  till  8  o'clock  it  was  a  beautiful  twilight 
at  ten.  At  midnight  I  again  came  on  deck,  at  half  past 
one  the  daylight  began  to  show  itself  in  the  N.  E.,  there 
being  now  about  only  three  hours  of  the  night  that  Day- 
light is  not  perceptible.  Everything  around  seemed  quiet 
and  tranquil.  I  walk'd  the  Deck  and  enjoyed  all  the 
luxury  of  the  scene.  Ah,  if  my  sweet  friend  was  now  by 
my  side — said  I — how  richly  indeed  I  could  enjoy  it — I 
hope  however  that  she  and  our  lovely  babe  are  safe  in 
peaceful  slumber  at  this  hour. 

July  l&th. — This  morng.  at  1  o'clock  we  saw  Scilly 
light  and  at  9  o'clock  described  the  Lands  End.  Once 
more  the  fog-surrounded  Island  of  Great  Britain  is  in 
sight — several  fishermen  came  off  with  plenty  of  fresh  fish 
— new  potatoes,  onions,  etc.,  etc.     With  these  we  are 

making  merry. 

J.  W.  R. 


Campoere,  July  23d,  1804. 
Dear  Nancy: 

I  have  had  a  remarkable  pleasant  run  through  the 

British  Channel  and  along  the  coast  of  Flanders,  and  now 

after  a  passage  of  42  days  I  am  safely  anchored  in  one  of 

the  mouths  of  the  River  Scheld.     I  have  been  on  shore 

here.     It  is  a  neat  little  town,  belonging  to  the  Dutch. 

Tomorrow  I  expect  to  proceed  up  the  river. 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         119 

Flushing,  July  24th,  1804. 
This  day  we  came  up  from  Campoere  and  anchored  off 
this  place.  This  is  a  large  and  handsome  Town — belong- 
ing also  to  the  Dutch,  the  houses  are  most  of  them  very 
elegant — canals  along  the  principal  streets — bordered 
with  Walks  of  beautiful  trees — and  the  Pavements  as  neat 
and  clean  as  Mrs.  Bosworth's  parlour.  An  American 
Consul,  Mr.  Sigory,  resides  here,  who  has  treated  me  very 
politely.  I  found  here  also  two  American  ships  from 
Antwerp,  but  neither  of  them  bound  home,  so  that  I  can 
as  yet  find  no  opportunity  to  let  my  sweet  friend  know  of 
my  safety.  I  hope  however  soon  to  find  some  mode  of  con- 
veyance. To-morrow  I  expect  to  proceed  up  the  river  to 
Antwerp— it  is  ninety  miles  from  hence. 

Antwerp,  July  26th,  1804. 
Yesterday  morning  we  left  Flushing  and  having  a  fair 
wind  at  5  in  the  afternoon  we  anchor 'd  off  this  town.  The 
river  is  a  noble  one  and  passes  through  one  of  the  finest 
and  best  cultivated  countries  in  the  world.  At  the  dis- 
tance of  50  miles  we  descried  one  of  the  steeples  of  Ant- 
werp, said  to  be  the  highest  but  one  in  Europe,  but  I 
must  defer  a  description  of  the  town  until  I  have  seen 
more  of  it.  Here  then  I  am  in  my  destined  port,  with  a 
prospect  of  making  a  tolerable  voyage.  At  the  distance  of 
four  thousand  miles  from  me  you  are  perhaps  counting 
the  days  of  my  absence  and  calculating  the  probability 
of  my  being  in  port.  Our  little  Betsey  too — by  this  time 
I  suppose  she  begins  to  totter  about — and  perhaps  to 


120  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

prattle.  Will  you  teach  her,  my  love,  to  lisp  Papa's 
name  in  his  absence — will  you  teach  her  to  talk  of  him 
and  teach  her  to  love  him — God  bless  you  both  and  for 
the  present 

Adieu. 

Antwerp,  July  29th,  1804. 

At  a  late  hour  on  Sunday  night  I  have  set  down  to  the 
employment  most  congenial  to  my  feelings,  to  dedicate  a 
few  moments  to  my  wife.  I  went  this  morning  to  the 
Great  Church.  It  is  a  very  noble  and  very  ancient  Build- 
ing, but  now  much  out  of  repair,  having  suffered  much 
when  this  place  was  taken  in  the  last  war  by  its  present 
owners,  but  it  is  now  repairing.  It  is  very  high  and  fin- 
ished in  the  ancient  Gothic  style,  being  arched  to  the  roof 
and  supported  at  small  distances  by  immense  marble 
pillars.  There  are  a  few  good  paintings,  but  most  of 
them  I  am  told  are  taken  away.  There  are  several  other 
large  Churches  here,  but  most  of  them  are  now  used  for 
public  or  private  Stores  etc.  The  Dwelling  houses  are  all 
of  stone,  mostly  from  four  to  eight  stories  high,  most  of 
them  handsome,  and  many  very  elegant. 

I  din'd  this  day  on  board  a  Philadelphia  Brig,  Capt. 
Hawthorne,  we  having  come  into  Campoere  and  up  the 
river  together.  Towards  night  we  walked  out  of  town 
and  strolled  into  several  of  the  beautiful  Gardens,  with 
which  this  vicinity  abounds.  In  this  walk  we  probably 
saw  at  least  four  thousand  people — strolling  like  ourselves. 
It  is  impossible  for  any  description  of  mine  to  do  justice 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         121 

to  a  scene  like  this,  the  beauty  of  the  arbours  all  over — 
shadowed  with  thick  arched  trees;  the  neatness  of  the 
gravel  walks;  the  variety  and  elegance  of  the  flower 
gardens  by  which  they  are  surrounded;  the  plenty  and 
cheapness  of  all  kinds  of  refreshments  and  the  whimsical 
groups  of  mortals  which  were  hunting  for  the  phantom 
Pleasure  in  these  Elysian  Fields — all  together  presented  a 
scene  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  romantic  taste  of  your 
Russell.  And  you  may  be  sure  it  was  highly  enjoyed  by 
him.  But  how  often  my  love,  did  I  say  to  myself  with  a 
sigh — Ah!  how  richly  indeed  could  I  enjoy  all  this  were 
my  Nancy  by  my  side.  To  catch  the  animation  from 
your  speaking  countenance  and  to  point  out  to  you  the 
endless  variety  of  beauties  by  which  we  were  surrounded, 
would  have  been  a  luxurious  treat  to  me.  But  it  cannot 
be — far  distant  from  you  I  write  unknowing  whether  my 
Nancy's  eye  will  ever  trace  the  lines. — but  Hope  whispers 
me,  she  will.  May  angels  guard  you  and  our  sweet  babe. 
Good  night.  J.  W.  R. 

Antwerp,  Aug.  3d,  1804. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

We  this  day  finish  unloading  our  cargo,  and  expect 

shortly  to  leave  this  port.     I  have  been  today  in  company 

with  all  the  American  masters  here — say,  four  of  us — to 

view  the  steeple  of  the  Grand  Church  of  Antwerp,  and 

enjoy  the  fine  view  from  its  top.     The  steeple  itself  is  an 

object  worthy  of  attention.     It  is  built  of  stone  and  is  six 

hundred  and  fifty  feet  high.     It  contains  eighty  two  bells, 


122  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

the  largest  of  which  weighs  eighteen  thousand  pounds. 
The  face  of  the  Clock  is  twenty  six  feet  in  diameter.  It 
strikes  the  quarters  as  well  as  the  hours,  and  the  bells  chime 
every  seven  and  a  half  minutes — so  that  we  have  music 
almost  constantly.  But  the  view  of  the  town,  the  river 
and  the  adjoining  country  (which  with  the  help  of  our 
glasses  we  could  overlook  to  a  great  distance)  exceed  by 
far  anything  of  the  kind  that  I  ever  yet  beheld.  The 
town  is  mostly  surrounded  by  meadows  watered  by  in- 
numerable canals,  and  covered  by  flocks  of  sheep  and 
herds  of  cattle.  From  the  top  of  this  steeple  we  counted 
in  the  adjoining  country  the  spires  of  sixty  three  steeples. 

Can  you  not  figure  to  yourself,  my  love,  my  situation 
and  feelings  at  that  moment,  elevated  many  hundred  feet 
above  the  tops  of  the  houses — having  the  whole  of  a  large 
and  populous  city  under  my  eye,  and  an  extensive  view 
of  a  most  beautiful  and  highly  cultivated  country  in  every 
direction.  One  thing  only  was  wanting  in  the  prospect. 
I  wish'd  to  extend  my  glass  so  as  to  take  a  peep  at  my 
much  lov'd  home,  to  see  our  good  cousin  Becca  sitting 
little  Betsy  on  the  mantle  piece  and  view  her  Mother's 
smiles  as  she  caught  the  features  of  her  darling  babe. 
Yet,  as  it  was  I  had  much  to  interest  my  feelings. 

This  church  was  erected  by  Spaniards,  when  Spain, 
then  in  her  glory — possess  'd  the  Sovereignty  of  all  this 
delightful  country.  We  are  told  it  was  one  hundred 
years  in  building.  I  called  to  mind  the  many  Revolu- 
tions that  have  taken  place  since  this  stupendous  fabric 
rose.     Spain — the  once  lordly  possessor  of  this  domain  is 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         123 

sunk  in  lethargy  and  insignificance,  Austria — your  late 
master — weak  and  indecisive,  was  unable  to  preserve  you 
— and — after  many  eventful  revolutions — after  ages  of 
blood-shed  and  carnage — you  are  become  an  Appendage 
to  grasping  France,  another  feather  in  the  cap  of  Bouna- 

parte 

"Alas!  poor  human  Nature" 

I  have  several  times  visited  Mr.  Van  Bree,  said  to  be 
one  of  the  finest  painters  now  in  Europe,  and  as  he  has 
been  very  attentive  to  me,  I  have  had  a  rich  feast  in  view- 
ing and  admiring  his  beautiful  and  interesting  works. 
His  wife  too  excels  in  that  noble  art.  I  have  set  by  her 
side  and  seen  her,  in  ten  minutes  sketch  the  features  of  a 
face  so  accurately  that  I  should  know  it  among  a  thousand. 

I  had  not  forgotten  that  this  place  has  produced  some 
of  the  most  celebrated  painters  in  the  world.  Rubens  and 
Vandyke  were  natives  of  Antwerp,  and  their  names  will 
be  repeated  with  enthusiasm  so  long  as  a  taste  for  the  fine 
arts  remains.  Do  not  laugh  now,  my  sweet  friend,  and 
call  me  an  enthusiast. 

I  have  much  more  to  say  to  you  but  being  near  my 
departure  from  this  I  shall  now  be  busily  engaged.  At  my 
next  leisure  I  shall  again  resume  my  favorite  employment. 
Till  then  and  ever,  my  love,  may  God  bless  you. 

Your  own,  J.  W.  R. 


124  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


IX 


THE  INTIMATE  JOURNAL  OF  A  VOYAGE  TO  EUROPE 

{Continued) 

Minerva — off  Williamstad,  Aug.  14th,  1804. 

I  have,  my  sweet  friend,  been  thro'  such  a  scene  of 
bustle  and  confusion  since  I  wrote  you  last  that  I  could  not 
bring  myself  to  set  quietly  down  and  chat  with  my  Nancy. 
At  Antwerp  I  had  the  misfortune  to  have  the  whole  of 
mine  and  the  mate's  adventures*  seized  by  the  Custom 
House,  and  tho'  I  have  good  hopes  of  their  being  released 
yet  I  was  obliged  to  leave  there  in  a  state  of  uncertainty, 
determined  as  I  was  not  to  detain  the  vessell  a  moment 
on  that  account. 

I  left  Antwerp  on  the  eighth  inst.  and  on  my  arrival  at 
Flushing  found  an  Embargo  laid  on  the  vessells  bound 
to  sea.  I  at  length  obtained  permission  to  take  the  Brig 
thro'  an  inland  passage  to  Helvoetsluys  in  Holland  and 
thence  to  sea.  'Tis  a  tedious  and  difficult  navigation  of 
150  miles  distant.  We  have  had  these  five  days  dreadful 
gales  of  wind,  but  tis  now  once  more  moderate  and  I  am 
anchored  within  18  miles  of  Helvoetsluys.  I  hope  from 
thence  to  proceed  immediately  to  sea. 

I  have  been  on  shore  to-day  at  this  little  town — and  again 
had  occasion  to  remark  and  admire  the  extreme  neatness 
*  Their  personal  share  of,  or  investment  in,  the  vessel's  cargo. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         125 

of  every  Dutch  settlement.  Indeed  this  inland  passage 
has  given  me  an  opportunity  to  see  the  finest  part  of  Hol- 
land, certainly  one  of  the  pleasantest  and  best  cultivated 
countries  in  the  world.  But,  "the  eye  is  never  satisfied 
with  seeing — nor  the  ear  with  hearing" — and  I  would 
give  up  in  a  moment  all  the  enchanting  views  in  this  coun- 
try for  a  stroll  on  Bristol  Common,  or  a  scramble  over 
the  rocks  at  Dighton,  with  my  dear  Nancy  at  my  side. 
Yes,  my  love,  were  I  with  you  and  our  sweet  babe,  I 
should  no  more  think  on  the  neat  streets,  the  canals,  and 
the  beauteous  groves  of  Holland.  How  often  have  I,  my 
love,  within  a  few  weeks  past  taken  some  playful  infant 
in  my  arms,  and  thought  on  our  dear  Betsey.  Does  the 
little  cherub  begin  to  prattle  yet — does  she  begin  to  totter 
about?  When  once  she  begins  to  talk  to  you  I  often 
figure  to  myself  that  her  innocent  chat  will  serve  to  beguile 
many  an  uneasy  hour.  But  your  hours,  my  love,  I  hope, 
will  not  many  of  them  be  uneasy.  May  they  be  tranquil 
and  happy  as  you  deserve,  and  soon,  very  soon  may  you 
share  them  with  your  own 

R . 


Helvoetsluys,  Aug.  15th,  1804. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

I  wrote  you  after  my  arrival  at  Antwerp  which  I  hope 
came  safely  to  hand.  I  left  that  place  on  the  8th  inst. 
and  shall  be  ready  to  sail  to-morrow  intending  to  reach  St. 
Petersburg  if  possible.  I  have  yet  had  no  direct  oppor- 
tunity of  writing  home,  and  this  goes  by  port  to  Amster- 


126  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


dam,  so  that  by  this  round-about  way  I  cannot  say  any 
of  the  good  things  to  you  of  which  my  heart  is  full.  Nor 
will  I  now  forward  a  large  packet  of  letters  which  I  have 
written  to  you,  but  wait  some  direct  conveyance.  Yet  my 
Nancy  will  not  think  from  this  hasty  note  that  she  is  for  a 
moment  forgotten. 

May  this  find  you,  my  Nancy,  enjoying  every  blessing 
which  health  and  innocence  can  bestow,  embrace  our  dear 
Betsey  for  me.     My  cordial  love  to  all  our  old  friends. 
Adieu  and  God  bless  you. 

John  W.  Russell. 

Helvoetsluys,  Augt.  18th,  1804. 
Dear  Friend  of  my  Heart: 

I  was  in  hopes  ere  this  to  have  been  as  far  as  Copen- 
hagen— and  so  indeed  I  should  be  if  we  could  have  gone 
direct  to  sea  from  Antwerp.  But  here  we  are  still  wind 
bound.  Have  made  three  attempts  to  get  out,  but  with- 
out success.  I  can  as  yet  find  no  direct  Opportunity  to 
write  you,  but  since  my  arrival  here  I  wrote  you  a  hasty 
line,  and  enclos'd  it  to  a  merchant  in  Amsterdam — which 
I  hope  will  reach  you. 

I  have  here  taken  on  board  a  passenger  for  Copenhagen, 
a  Danish  Captain  who  left  his  ship  at  Antwerp.  He  is 
a  man  of  information — is  sociable,  and  I  trust  his  society 
will  be  a  relief  to  me.  With  the  gentleman  for  my  com- 
panion, I  have  been  on  shore  this  afternoon  and  pur- 
chased some  fresh  provisions  and  vegetables,  which  are 
now  very  plenty  in  every  town  of  Holland.     But  our  best 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         127 

treat  was  to  come  on  board  and  over  a  glass  of  warm 
punch  to  toast  our  Wives  and  Sweethearts  and  talk  of  our 
families  and  the  pleasures  of  domestic  life. 

Good  night  my  love. 

Helvoetsluys,  Augt.  20th,  1804. 

I  sometimes  think,  my  dear  friend,  that  there  is  a  spell 
laid  upon  us,  and  that  we  are  doomed  to  spend  the  season 
in  Holland.  Ever  since  I  left  Antwerp  it  has  been  heavy, 
blowing  weather  and  here  we  are  still  wind-bound.  What 
adds  to  the  disappointment  is  that  if  I  could  get  out  to 
sea  the  winds  have  always  been  fair  for  me.  So  that  if 
the  Embargo  had  not  prevented  my  sailing  from  Flushing, 
I  should,  before  this  time,  have  been  in  Copenhagen — 
indeed  much  further  if  I  concluded  to  proceed  further. 
Now  the  season  is  fast  wearing  away  so  that  there  is  no 
probability  of  my  being  able  to  go  beyond  Copenhagen, 
and  whether  I  can  procure  my  cargo  there,  is  very  un- 
certain. I  really  begin  to  grow  peevish  and  fretful,  but 
still  endeavor  to  keep  quiet. 

I  picked  up  a  Dutch  newspaper  the  other  day — I  know 
nothing  of  the  language — and  could  find  no  one  to  read  it 
in  English  for  me.  But  I  saw  an  article  under  New  York 
head,  which — by  what  I  could  make  out — related  to  the 
death  of  General  Hamilton,  and  that  he  was  killed,  in  a 
duel,  by  Col.  Burr.  Is  it  possible  this  can  be  so?  Genl. 
Hamilton  was,  beyond  all  question  the  first  political 
Character  in  the  U.  S.  and  after  our  ever-regretted  Wash- 
ington, America  could  not  have  sustained  a  heavier  loss. 


128  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

And  is  this  man  dead — killed  by  the  V.  Prest.  of  the  U.  S.  ? 
Shame  on  these  false  notions  of  Honor — Shame  on  the 
men  who  countenance  such  principles! 

But  I  am  sick  of  this  dreadful  subject.     We  will  quit  it, 
and  say  once  more  adieu — 

J.  W.  R. 


Helvoetsluys,  Augt.  23d,  1804. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

I  am  almost  distracted  with  our  long  detention  here — 
'tis  now  nine  days  since  I  first  anchor 'd  in  this  place,  and 
it  has  not  been  possible  to  get  to  Sea.  The  whole  period, 
and  indeed  ever  since  I  left  Antwerp  it  has  been  blowing 
hard  gales,  and  cold  like  the  November  winds  in  America. 
The  Season  is  fast  wearing  away — by  this  time  I  should 
have  been  nearly  or  quite  to  St.  Petersburg.  Now  I 
expect  I  must  give  up  all  thoughts  of  going  further  than 
Copenhagen. 

This  day  arrived  here  the  ship  Hope,  in  twenty  six  days 
from  Providence — but  not  a  word  can  I  hear  from  my  dear 
Home.  Only  think,  my  love,  a  Ship  that  came  from  a 
place  so  near  you — and  I  have  been  so  long  absent — and 
yet  can  hear  nothing  from  my  wife!  Yet  I  had  no  right 
to  expect  letters.  You  would  as  soon  have  thought  of 
writing  to  me  by  way  of  Canton,  but  how  easy  would  it 
have  been  for  me  to  receive  letters,  had  I  left  proper 
directions  with  you!  Had  you  wrote  to  Amsterdam,  Rot- 
terdam or  any  port  in  Holland  they  would  have  been  sent 
by  post  to  Antwerp  in  two  days;   and  had  I  sailed  from 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         129 

thence,  they  would  be  forwarded  on  by  post  to  Copen- 
hagen or  even  to  Petersburg.  What  a  treat  now,  at  this 
moment,  would  be  a  letter  from  my  dear  Nancy!  When 
I  am  fretted  and  full  of  anxiety — to  hear  the  soothing 
accents  of  affection,  and  read  the  heart-felt  effusions  of 
the  dear  wife  of  my  heart,  would  be  a  luxury  indeed. 

The  Danish  Captn.  whom  I  have  on  board  is  a  man 
of  sense  and  information.  He  has  been  sixteen  years 
Master  of  a  ship  and  so  long  a  married  man — he  has 
several  children.  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  trace  the 
glow  of  affection  in  his  face,  when  he  looks  at  his  em- 
broidered waistcoat,  and  says,  "This  was  done  by  my 
daughter,"  or  when  he  displays  his  neatly  worked  pocket- 
book  and  exclaims,  "  This  was  the  work  of  another  of  my 
children."  With  him  I  sometimes  go  on  shore  here,  but 
we  are  sure  to  get  a  wetting,  and  there  is  neither  amusement 
nor  information  to  compensate  for  the  trouble  of  going. 
We  spend  our  time,  therefore,  on  board  between  eating, 
drinking,  sleeping,  walking  the  Deck — viewing  the  squalls 
as  they  rise  and  fretting  at  our  ill  luck.  But  you,  my 
love,  are  much  better  employed.  Could  I,  at  this  mo- 
ment, take  little  Betsey  in  my  arms  and  see  you  smile — I 
would  promise  not  to  fret  again  for  a  week. 

Good  night. 

Helvoetsluts,  Augt.  24th,  1804. 
Ever  since  I  left  Bristol  I  have  been  at  intervals  scrib- 
bling to  you,  my  dear  Nancy,  but  have  yet  had  no  direct 
opportunity  of  forwarding  a  letter  to  you.     But  last  night 


130  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

several  ships  came  down  from  Rotterdam,  and  among 
them  one  bound  to  Boston  and  one  to  Newbury  Port.  By 
one  or  other  of  these  my  GREAT  packet  must  go.  Should 
it  come  safe  to  your  hands — as  I  hope  it  will — do  not  be 
frightened  at  its  size.  You  can,  if  you  please,  be  a  month 
in  perusing  it,  but  if  you  feel  one  half  the  pleasure  in 
looking  it  over  that  I  have  in  thus  unbosoming  myself  to 
you  at  leisure  moments  I  shall  be  amply  gratified.  You 
will  find  this  bundle,  my  love,  a  little  history  of  my  feel- 
ings, and  in  some  measure  an  account  of  my  progress  and 
transactions  during  the  voyage.  Ah,  if  I  could  see  you 
as  you  open  it,  could  hear  you  say  to  our  dear  babe — ■ 
"This  came  from  your  Papa."  But  this  pleasure  cannot 
be  mine.  Still  I  have  good  hopes  of  finding  Letters  from 
you  at  Copenhagen — if  I  ever  can  clear  of  this  detested 
place.  Well — good  bye— and  God  bless  you,  my  sweet 
Ann — Remember  me  particularly  to  all  our  valued  friends. 

Yours  ever, 

John  W.  Russell. 

Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  Augt.  29th,  1804. 
Congratulate  me,  my  Nancy,  I  am  once  more  clear 
from  Embargoes  and  head  winds.  The  fog-surrounded 
shores  of  Holland  are  out  of  sight,  and  I  am  again  floating 
in  the  open  ocean.  The  day  before  yesterday  we  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  out  from  Helvoetsluys — tho'  with  much 
trouble — having  two  men  sick,  the  wind  right  ahead,  and 
having  to  beat  out  in  a  narrow  passage,  about  as  wide  as 
Bristol  street,  for  more  than  five  hours.     I  was  eight  days 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         131 

in  coming  from  Antwerp  to  Helvoetsluys,  and  detained  in 
this  last  place  twelve  days  more. 

You  may  well  think  that  my  Quaker-like  patience  was 
about  exhausted,  thus  to  see  the  best  of  the  season  wear 
away,  as  by  it  all  hopes  of  reaching  St.  Petersburg  are 
irretrievable  lost,  and  thereby  I  much  fear  that  the  great 
object  of  my  Voyage  will  be  defeated.  Well,  I  cannot 
help  it — the  Causes  have  been  such  as  no  human  Power 
could  control.  What  has  made  my  long  detention  harder 
to  bear  is,  that  it  should  happen  to  be  in  such  a  horrid 
place.  I  have  been  in  many  towns  of  Holland  and 
whether  large  or  small  have  always  been  pleased,  and 
found  something  to  admire,  except  at  Helvoetsluys.  There 
everything  was  the  reverse  of  pleasant,  and  there  I  wore 
away  twelve  of  the  most  anxious  days  of  my  life.  Blessed 
be  God — I  have  escaped. 

The  day  before  I  sailed  from  Helvoetsluys,  I  forwarded 
by  a  Boston  ship  a  large  packet  to  you.  Should  it  reach 
you,  my  love,  I  am  persuaded  you  will  be  gratified  to  find 
how  often  you  occupy  the  thoughts  of  your  absent  friend. 
The  best  feelings  of  my  heart  my  dear  are  ever  with  you, 
and  when,  in  my  mind's  eye  I  hold  sweet  converse  with 
my  Nancy  and  look  at  our  lovely,  smiling  babe — I  forget 
for  the  moment,  my  anxiety  and  my  cares.  My  Danish 
passenger  has  already  taught  me  some  bad  tricks — what 
think  you,  of  my  drinking  a  cup  of  tea  every  morning  at 
6  o'clock — that  is — two  hours  before  breakfast — and  again 
in  the  afternoon.  This  is  now  my  constant  habit.  I  fear 
that  I  shall  become  quite  a  tea-sipper. 


132  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

The  weather  is  remarkably  fine,  and  with  a  favourable 
breeze  for  thirty  hours,  we  expect  to  see  the  land  on  the 
coast  of  Norway. 

Copenhagen,  Sept.  2nd,  1804. 
Well,  my  dear  friend,  I  am  safe  and  anchor'd  in  this 
harbour.  A  pleasant  passage  of  six  days  only  has  brought 
us  from  Helvoetsluys.  Last  night  we  anchor'd  at  Elsi- 
nore — from  whence  I  wrote  a  hasty  line  to  Mr.  DeWolf. 
We  are  not  yet  allowed  to  go  on  shore,  as  we  must  first  be 
examined  as  to  sickness,  etc.  And  it  being  Sunday  the 
officers  did  not  come  to  us.  Tired  and  fatigued  I  have 
only  time  before  I  sleep,  to  say  one  word  to  my  love,  and 
remember  at  the  same  time,  our  dear  Babe. 


Copenhagen,  Sept.  4th,  1804. 
I  have  concluded  to  try  to  procure  my  cargo  here,  and 
have  this  day  entered  at  the  Custom  House,  and  expect 
tomorrow  to  discharge  my  ballast.  There  is  only  one 
American  ship  in  port.  The  Capt.  I  have  not  yet  seen, 
but  I  understand  she  sails  soon,  when  I  again  hope  that 
my  dear  Nancy  will  have  an  opportunity  to  hear  from  me. 
I  have  yet  seen  but  little  of  this  great  city,  the  Capital  of 
Denmark,  but  I  shall  probably  be  able  to  give  you  some 
description  of  it  during  my  stay  here.  I  dined  this  day 
with  my  passenger,  Capt.  Ferguson — quite  in  the  family 
way.  His  wife  is  a  very  decent  and  respectable  looking 
woman;   they  have  three  fine  daughters,  the  eldest  four- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         133 

teen  years  old;  one  son  of  four  years,  and  a  fine,  fat  boy 
exactly  the  age  of  our  little  Cherub. 

I  promise  myself  much  pleasure  with  this  fine  family 
— true  it  is  that  they  none  of  them  speak  or  understand 
English  except  the  Father,  but  the  language  of  affection 
and  kindness,  my  love,  is  a  universal  one,  and  is  easily 
comprehended  by  all  nations,  so  that  I  am  already  a  great 
favourite  with  all  the  children,  and  especially  the  youngest. 
When  I  see  this  child  tottering  across  the  floor,  in  its  first 
attempts  to  walk,  how  can  I  help  thinking  that  probably 
my  sweet  wife  is  now  engaged  in  teaching  our  little  Betsey, 
her  first  steps.  May  her  first  and  latest  steps,  my  love, 
be  in  the  path  of  virtue — and  long  may  she  be  a  blessing 
to  you  and  to  her  and  your  affectionate 

J.  W.  Russell. 


Copenhagen,  Septr.  9th,  1804. 

I  have  often  remarked  how  very  ready  the  human  Mind 
is  to  seize  upon  every  trivial  circumstance  that  can  yield 
us  pleasure;  and  especially  when  we  have  long  been 
among  foreigners,  whose  manners  as  well  as  language 
are  uncouth  to  us.  At  such  a  time,  a  trifle  that  would  pass 
unnoticed  at  any  other  period,  is  then  seized  upon  with 
avidity,  and  the  return  of  social  and  friendly  intercourse, 
tho'  with  strangers,  affords  a  Pleasure  which  those  only  can 
describe  who  have  felt  it. 

Since  my  arrival  here  I  fell  in  with  a  Mr.  Cartwright, 
an  Englishman,  who  keeps  a  store  here.     Having  called 


134  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

on  him  for  the  purchase  of  some  necessaries  I  was  invited 
into  his  house  to  take  tea.  His  wife  I  found  was  a  man- 
tau  maker,  and  had  with  her  three  girls  who  had  all  been 
apprentices  to  her — but  the  eldest  was  now  out  of  her 
time.  As  they  were  all  very  social,  and  the  eldest  girl,  as 
I  thought,  uncommonly  agreeable,  I  entered  into  the 
spirit  of  the  conversation  and  soon  forgot  that  I  was  a 
stranger. 

The  next  afternoon,  accident  or  design,  found  me  again 
with  them  at  tea  time.  And  after  tea  I  joined  them  in  a 
walk  on  the  Battery — a  most  romantic  and  delightful 
place.  It  was  not  the  less  interesting  to  me  for  having 
another  married  Lady  and  two  lovely  children  of  the 
party.  In  this  walk,  which  was  prolonged  to  a  late  hour, 
I  felt  more  and  more  pleased  with  Polly,  the  girl  whom  I 
spoke  of.  I  found  her  sensible  and  well  informed,  and 
there  was  something  peculiarly  modest  and  interesting  in 
her  manners.  I  even  fancied  that  she  greatly  resembled 
my  Nancy,  and  this  idea,  you  may  be  sure,  did  not  make 
her  less  interesting  to  me. 

Having  called  on  them  next  morning,  Mr.  Cartwright 
asked  me  if  I  would  come  in  the  evening  to  Polly's  wed- 
ding. Supposing  him  to  be  in  jest,  I  told  him  No — 
unless  I  was  to  be  a  party  concerned.  He  informed  me 
that  I  was  too  late  for  that,  and  turning  round,  intro- 
duced me  to  Capt.  Browering,  of  an  English  ship,  and 
seriously  assured  me  that  Capt.  B.  and  Polly  were  to  be 
married  that  evening.  Polly  herself  to  whom  I  applied 
confirmed  the  intelligence,  and  having  had  my  invitation 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         135 

warmly  renewed — you  may  be  sure  that  I  did  not  fail  to 
call  in  the  evening. 

I  was  accompanied  by  Capt.  Treadwell,  the  only  Amer- 
ican now  here.  The  ceremony  was  over  before  we  came 
in — but  we  found  a  clever,  tho'  not  a  large  party  assembled 
— had  a  very  decent  supper,  and  you  will  judge  whether 
the  time  passed  agreeably  or  not  when  I  tell  you  that  we 
did  not  leave  there  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  As 
the  Bride  was  next  day  to  set  out  with  her  husband  for 
England,  I  called  in  the  forenoon  to  take  leave.  What 
think  you  my  dear,  of  this,  for  an  acquaintance  of  forty 
eight  hours — heigh  ho. 

Copenhagen,  Septr.  10th,  1804. 
As  I  wish  my  Nancy  to  participate  in  all  that  gives  me 
pleasure,  as  soon  as  I  find  anything  amusing  or  inter- 
esting, I  wish  to  communicate  it  at  once  to  you.  One  of 
my  late  excursions  was  greatly  interesting  to  me  and  no 
doubt,  would  have  been  so  to  you  my  love,  but  you  can 
form  but  a  faint  idea  of  it  from  any  description  of  mine. 
I  mean,  a  visit  which  I  paid  to  the  King's  Cabinet  of 
Natural  History,  his  collection  of  rare  and  curious  things, 
and  a  noble  set  of  valuable  paintings — but  why  should 
I  tell  you  that  I  sat  in  a  large,  old  fashioned  arm  chair 
made  of  solid  Gold — that  I  saw  many  curious  and  heavy 
ancient  vessells  of  the  same  metal?  Why  should  I  men- 
tion the  numerous  monsters  which  have  been  collected 
from  all  parts  of  the  world,  some  of  which  excited  Wonder 
and  the  others  Horror?     There  was  nothing  so  gratifying 


136  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

to  me,  in  any  of  the  rooms,  as  the  Gallery  of  paintings. 
Among  these  the  first  that  caught  the  attention  of  my 
companions  (our  party  consisted  of  six)  was  a  painting 
of  the  finest  Statue  in  the  world.  I  mean  the  Venus  de 
Medicisy  —  but  the  one  which  interested  my  feelings 
most,  was  the  Crucifixion,  by  Paul  Veronese.  I  could 
not  have  thought  it  possible  for  Art  to  exhibit  any- 
thing so  wonderfully  natural  as  the  countenance  of  our 
Savior — where  the  different  emotions  of  extreme  Agony 
and  examplary  Patience  are  so  blended,  that  it  is  hard  to 
tell  which  prevails.  The  painter  has  chosen  to  represent 
this  dreadful  scene  at  the  precise  moment  when  our  blessed 
Redeemer  so  pathetically  recommends  his  Mother  to  the 
care  of  the  beloved  disciple,  as  recorded  in  John  19th 
Ch.  26th  and  27th  ver.  The  Disciple  is  represented  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  supporting  the  fainting  Mary  and 
looking  up  with  humble  Reverence  to  catch  the  expir- 
ing accents  of  his  beloved  Master.  The  whole  together 
forms  a  group,  which  I  think  can  never  be  viewed  without 
emotion. 

The  next  most  interesting,  and  by  many  thought  to  be 
the  first,  is  Adam  and  Eve  weeping  over  the  murdered 
body  of  Abel.  The  painter  has  succeeded  admirably  in 
describing  the  different  emotions  of  grief  in  the  manly 
features  of  Adam  and  the  softer  form  of  Eve.  And  both 
their  countenances  exhibit  strong  marks  of  that  awful 
Horror  which  they  must  have  felt  on  viewing  the  first 
Execution  of  that  dreadful  Sentence  which  their  disobedi- 
ence had  drawn  down. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         137 

Are  you  tired,  my  love,  with  all  this  rant?  Well,  I 
assure  you  that  I  was  not  tired,  after  spending  three  hours 
in  that  place,  and  nothing  but  the  night's  coming  on, 
could  have  induced  me  to  leave  it  so  soon.  But  you  see 
I  have  exhausted  my  paper,  if  I  have  not  your  patience,  so 
once  more  my  best  and  dearest  friend,  adieu. 


Copenhagen,  Septr.  12th,  1804. 

Do  you  remember,  my  dear  friend,  that  when  I  left 
home  you  put  up  for  me  a  lock  of  your  hair  and  another  of 
our  sweet  little  Betsey's,  for  the  purpose  of  being  set  in 
a  locket?  At  Antwerp  I  could  not  find  an  artist  to  my 
mind,  but  here  I  was  directed  to  a  good  one.  I  gave  him 
my  directions  and  this  day  I  have  received  it,  and  am 
extremely  pleased  with  the  execution.  While  viewing 
these  precious  relics  of  all  I  hold  dear  on  earth — while 
kissing,  with  rapture,  this  memento  of  a  beloved  wife 
and  child — it  occurred  to  my  recollection  that  this  day 
is  the  birthday  of  our  little  darling.  I  shall  keep  it  as  a 
day  of  rejoicing  on  that  account  and  shall  close  it  with 
my  humble  petition  to  the  giver  of  all  good  that  his 
choicest  blessings  may  descend  and  rest  upon  our  sweet 
Babe. 

Do  you  think  my  love,  that  we  reflect  sufficiently  on  the 
great  and  important  duty  which  we  owe  to  our  God — to 
our  Country — and  to  our  innocent  offspring,  in  the  capacity 
of  Parents?  I  fear  my  dear,  that  we  do  not.  As  there  is 
no  character  so  respectable  in  life  as  that  of  a  good  Parent, 


138  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

so  there  is  no  Duty  of  so  much  consequence  to  Society  as 
the  right  Management  and  Education  of  our  children. 

It  has  long  been  my  opinion  that  there  is  not  that  dif- 
ference in  the  natural  disposition  of  children  which  many 
suppose.  I  allow  there  may  be  some,  but  I  believe  far  the 
greater  part  depends  on  Instruction.  Hear  the  words  of 
the  wisest  man.  "  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 
go  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  One 
of  the  best  English  moral  writers  too,  has  told  us,  when 
speaking  of  a  child,  "  Watch  the  bent  of  his  inclination — ■ 
set  him  right  in  his  youth — and  let  no  evil  habit  gain 
strength  with  his  years — so  shall  he  encrease  in  virtue  as 
he  encreases  in  years,  and  the  fruits  of  Parental  instruc- 
tion in  youth,  shall  be  a  middle  age  of  Usefulness  and  an 
old  age  of  Respectability." 

As  the  care  and  instruction  of  our  sweet  Betsey  must 
for  the  most  part  my  love,  devolve  on  you — I  cannot  too 
often  mention  this  subject,  I  cannot  too  forcibly  enjoin 
it  upon  you.  Do  not  imagine,  my  dear,  that  I  distrust 
your  judgment — No — my  fears  are  that  you  may  some- 
times permit  your  Affections  to  mislead  your  better  Judg- 
ment. And  perhaps  too,  you  have  not  considered  with 
the  attention  that  I  have,  how  very  early  it  is  necessary  to 
check,  guide  and  govern  the  disposition  of  an  infant.  A 
system  of  severity,  I  certainly  shall  never  practice,  or 
recommend  to  you — but  a  system  of  firmness  I  would 
enjoin  with  all  the  eloquence  I  could  muster. 

Above  all  things,  my  love,  let  me  caution  you  against 
lying  to  our  Child.     Do  not  start  at  the  harshness  of  this 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         139 

phrase.  What  but  lying  can  I  call  it  when  I  hear  a  parent 
tell  a  child  "You  shall  do  such  a  thing — you  must  not 
have  such  a  thing,"  and  yet  in  a  few  moments,  rather  than 
hear  the  cries  or  importunities  of  the  pet — say,  "  Here,  do 
take  it."  There  is  no  way  so  effectual  as  this  to  teach 
a  child  that  they  can  have  their  own  way,  when  they  chuse 
to  teaze  for  it.  And  I  believe  they  always,  and  very  early 
in  life,  take  care  to  profit  by  it. 

Indeed  I  am  apt  to  think  that  half  the  trouble  we  have 
with  our  Children — if  not  half  the  Mischief  that  takes 
place  in  society,  arises  from  this  single  source  of  thus  lying 
to  our  children.  I  would  have  the  word  of  a  Parent  to  a 
Child,  even  on  the  most  trivial  occasion,  be  as  sacred  as 
an  oath,  and  having  once  said — "  You  shall  not  do  thus — 
You  shall  not  have  this" — let  no  whining  or  crying,  let 
no  Importunity  ever  tempt  you  to  recede.  A  child  very 
early  learns  whether  they  can  get  anything  by  teazing  or 
not,  and  when  they  once  find  that  they  never  can  succeed 
by  it,  trust  me,  they  will  soon  be  tired  of  trying  it. 

I  believe  you  know  my  Sentiments  too  well,  my  love,  to 
think  that  I  shall  ever  be  an  Advocate  for  a  system  of 
Severity  with  my  child.  No,  Firmness  in  doing  our  duty 
towards  her  I  would  always  inculcate,  but  severity  I 
abhor.  I  think  it  much  easier  to  keep  a  child  in  the  path 
of  duty  without  being  severe,  than  it  is  with  severity.  The 
strongest  of  all  fears  which  I  would  inculcate,  would  be 
the  fear  of  offending  its  Parents,  and  that,  not  because 
they  must  expect  to  be  corrected — but  because  they  will 
thereby  lose  the  Affection  of  the  Parent,  and  as  a  child 


140  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

certainly  should  be  taught  that  its  Parents,  love  is  the 
greatest  Earthly  blessing — if  duly  impressed  with  that 
sentiment,  surely  the  fear  of  losing  or  lessening  that  love 
will  be  the  strongest  motive  to  do  well. 

Forgive  me,  my  wife,  these  hasty  observations — they 
are  dictated  as  I  said  before,  not  from  any  distrust  of  you 
my  love,  but  from  the  warmest  solicitude  for  the  wellfare 
of  my  Child.  It  is  a  subject  that  dwells  near  my  heart, 
and  you  will  doubtless  hear  often  of  it  from  me.  For 
the  present,  good  bye,  my  Nancy.  May  angels  guard  you 
and  our  sweet  babe.  May  every  succeeding  Birthday 
find  her  increasing  in  virtue  and  goodness  and  long  may 
she  live  to  bless  my  Nancy  and  her  affectionate 

J.  W.  Russell. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         141 


X 

HOMEWARD   BOUND ! 

(The  Journal  of  the  European  Voyage  Concluded) 

Copenhagen,  Septr.  23rd,  1804. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

We  have  finished  loading  the  Brig  and  expect  very 

shortly  to  set  sail.     Think  you  that  my  heart  does  not 

bound  at  the  prospect!     When  next  we  set  sail  we  are 

bound  directly  home — to  that  dear  home  which  contains 

all  my  treasures. 

Even  now  I  seem  to  hear  my  Nancy's  voice 
Welcome  my  safe  return  with  accents  bland, 
And  see  my  lovely  smiling  little  babe 
Draw  near  to  share  my  kiss,  and  clasp  my  hand. 

Soon,  my  dear,  I  hope  the  dear  delightful  Vision  will 
be  realized.  Soon  may  the  period  arrive  when  safe  from 
the  toils  of  the  sea,  I  shall  again  find  peace  and  happiness 
by  my  own  fireside.  Not  but  I  have  found  in  this  place 
much  to  entertain  me.  I  have  also  visited  Fredericksburg 
two  miles  without  the  gates,  which  is  the  summer  residence 
of  the  King,  and  there  I  had  the  honor  of  seeing  His 
Majesty  of  Denmark.  He  is  a  poor  unhappy  being — 
having  been  affected  in  his  brain  ever  since  his  separation 
from  the  Queen — which  was  twenty  four  years  ago.  It 
was  a  melancholy  and  tragic  event  which  I  have  often 
read  with  tears.     If  you  do  not  remember  it  I  will  tell  it 


142  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

you  when  we  meet.  Adjoining  the  palace  of  Fredericks- 
burg is  an  extensive  park,  and  a  large  Garden,  in  which 
all  strangers  are  permitted  to  walk.  I  spent  several  hours 
there  very  pleasantly.  There  are  some  artificial  ponds 
which  contain  a  variety  of  scarce  and  curious  fowls.  There 
are  also  many  rare  animals,  and  among  the  rest  a  Zebra, 
which  you  know  is  said  to  be  the  handsomest  animal  in  the 
world. 

But  it  would  take  up  too  much  paper  to  describe  to  you 
half  the  interesting  things  in  that  Garden.  It  may  serve 
sometime  for  tea  table  talk  when  my  Nancy  and  I  are 
together.  I  have  visited  the  China  fabric  here,  at  which 
they  boast  of  making  the  finest  porcelain  in  the  world. 
It  may  be  so — for  it  certainly  exceeds  anything  that  I  ever 
saw  from  China.  The  ornamental  things  were  curious 
and  elegant  beyond  conception ;  but  they  were  excessively 
dear,  as  was  indeed  all  their  fine  ware — much  too  dear  for 
my  purse.  I  fell  in  love  with  a  very  elegant  Coffee  pot, 
but  was  obliged  to  leave  it  behind  me — as  it  was  estimated 
at  the  moderate  sum  of  fifty  Dollars.  There  are  certainly 
a  great  many  things  in  this  City  worthy  the  attention  of 
a  curious  Stranger — I  have  had  leisure  to  see  but  little  in  a 
very  cursory  manner.  Yet  I  have  seen  much  to  give  me 
pleasure,  and  that  pleasure,  I  wish  my  sweet  friend  to 
share  with  me. 

Copenhagen,  Septr.  30th,  1804. 

My  business  here  being  all  completed,  I  have  now  been 
several  days  waiting  for  a  fair  wind.  We  have  left  the 
Harbour  and  are  now  anchor 'd  in  the  King's  Road,  anx- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         143 

I  II!  I  II 

iously  watching  the  weather  and  chiding  the  westerly 
wind.  Yet  I  have  been  something  relieved  by  the  com- 
pany of  two  American  Captains,  from  Petersburg,  who 
stopped  here  a  few  days  since,  and  like  me,  are  waiting  for  a 
fair  wind.  They  are  Capt.  Rodman  and  Capt.  Page,  both 
belonging  to  Providence.  Being  so  near  neighbors,  we 
have  soon  become  acquainted,  and  though  we  never  saw 
each  other  before — yet  we  find  much  to  talk  about  that  is 
interesting  to  us  all.  You  can  hardly  conceive,  what  a 
pleasure  it  is  when  at  a  great  distance  from  Home,  to  meet 
with  a  Countryman,  especially  if  he  happens  to  live  near 
us,  as  we  then  can  talk  of  Persons  and  Things  that  are 
known  to  us  both.  We  soon  forget,  that  we  met,  a  few 
hours  before,  as  total  strangers.  This  is  one  of  those  cor- 
dials, my  love,  which  Heaven  has  kindly  scattered  in  all 
our  paths,  as  we  wander  through  this  Vale  of  Tears;  if 
we  had  but  the  gratitude,  and  I  may  say,  the  sense  to  find 
and  taste  them  as  we  pass  along.  Goldsmith  says  that 
there  is  no  possible  situation  in  life  but  has  its  peculiar 
comforts  attending  it.  But  hear  what  says  another 
favourite  Author  on  this  subject,  "  I  pity  the  man  that  can 
travel  from  Dan  to  Beersheba,  and  cry  'tis  all  barren,  'tis 
all  bare.  And  so  it  is — and  so  is  all  the  World  to  him  who 
is  not  disposed  to  gather  the  flowers  as  he  passes  along."* 
I  sometimes  think  that  in  the  keenness  of  my  regret  for 
those  enjoyments  of  which  I  am  deprived,  I  am  really 
ungrateful  to  Providence  for  the  many  blessings  which 

*  From  "  A  Sentimental  Journey,"  by  Lawrence  Sterne,  quoted  by 
Captain  Russell  from  memory  and  slightly  amended. 


144  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

are  still  left  me.  This  however,  is  a  disposition  of 
heart  which  ought  to  be  carefully  guarded  against.  And 
though  I  can  never  cease  regretting  when  separated  from 
my  dear  wife  and  child — yet  I  hope  I  shall  never  be  insen- 
sible to  the  Favours  which  Heaven  has  pleased  to  bestow 
on  me. 

Soon,  very  soon,  my  sweet  friend,  I  trust  I  shall  again 
see  you,  again  in  your  lov'd  society  and  the  smiles  of  our 
sweet  Betsey  find  that  delight  "  which  the  stranger  knoweth 
not  of,  nor  intermeddleth  with " — that  joy  "  which  the 
world  besides,  can  neither  give  nor  take  away." 

Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  Octr.  9th,  1804. 
A  week  has  now  elapsed,  my  lovely  friend,  since  I  sail'd 
from  Copenhagen.  A  disagreeable  week  it  has  been  in- 
deed! We  came  out  with  a  fair  wind  and  in  company 
with  more  than  five  hundred  sail.  The  next  morning  the 
Wind  came  right  ahead,  and  so  has  continued  ever  since, 
at  times  blowing  very  heavy,  a  rough  sea  and  frequent 
rains — surrounded  by  rocks  and  shoals — in  the  midst  of 
so  large  a  fleet — the  nights  long  and  horribly  dark.  Add 
to  this,  that  we  were  now  in  the  most  critical  and  dangerous 
navigation  in  all  Europe  and  I  am  sure  then  you  will  not 
wonder  that  I  have  had  neither  time  nor  spirits  to  write. 
But  thank  God  we  are  clear  of  the  dangers  of  the  Cattegat; 
and  though  the  wind  is  still  ahead,  yet  having  room  to 
work  the  vessell,  we  feel  more  safe,  and  have  hopes  in  a 
few  days  more  to  be  clear  of  the  coast  of  Europe.  Already, 
my  love,  do  I  begin  to  measure  the  lessening  distance  be- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         145 

tween  us.  Already  do  I  begin  to  count  the  days,  when 
hope  bids  me  to  expect  again  to  embrace  my  Nancy — 
again  with  tears  of  joy,  to  kiss  my  smiling  babe.  I  have 
now,  my  friend,  been  four  months  from  home.  This  is 
the  longest  period  that  we  have  ever  been  separated  since 
our  Fates  were  united.  And  in  all  this  time  not  a  word 
have  I  heard  from  you.  I  have,  however,  written  to  you, 
very  often,  and  ere  this  I  think  you  must  have  heard 
more  than  once  from  me.  But  soon,  my  love,  I  hope  to 
be  the  bearer  of  my  own  letters. 

Minerva,  At  Sea,  Octr.  17th,  1804. 
If  ever  a  poor  devil  could  say  with  propriety,  "  A  sailor's 
life  is  a  Dog's  life" — surely  I  can.  We  are  not  yet  clear  of 
the  land — having  had  constant  furious  gales,  and  con- 
tinued head  winds,  together  with  rain — rain — rain.  Not 
a  man  on  board  has  had  his  clothes  dry  since  the  day 
after  we  left  Copenhagen.  To  help  us  on  too,  our  cabin  is 
full  of  dry  Goods,  so  that  we  have  barely  room  to  creep 
to  our  nests,  and  cannot  bring  wet  clothes  below.  The 
sea  being  so  rough  our  cabin  windows  are  closed  fast,  our 
Cabin  doors,  too,  constantly  shut,  so  that  when  we  can 
get  below  even  at  noon  day,  we  have  only  the  pale,  sickly 
light  of  a  lamp  by  which  to  eat  our  raw  pork  or  dry  fish 
and  bread;  for  it  is  much  too  bad  weather  to  cook.  And 
altho'  it  is  not  freezing  cold  yet  when  you  recollect  that 
we  are  now  further  north  from  R.  Island  than  R.  Island 
is  from  Havana — you  will  easily  guess  that  it  is  cold 
enough.     Truth  is,  I  am  almost  worn  out.     I  have  now 


146  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

been  (what  I  never  was  before  since  I  went  to  sea)  ten 
days  without  shaving.  To-day  I  have  tried  the  razor.  It 
has  been  quite  calm  for  18  hours  and  everybody  on  board 
thought  the  next  breeze  would  be  favorable — now  it  has 
sprung  up  at  West;  that  is,  right  ahead, — heigh  ho! — 
Well  my  sweet  friend,  my  dear,  dear  Nancy — may  you 
never  know  nor  feel  half  the  anxiety  that  now  fills  the 
heart  of  your  R. 

At  Sea,  Octr.  29th,  1804. 

Four  weeks  we  have  been  at  sea — and  have  now  for 
the  first  time  a  fair  wind.  Four  weeks  we  have  been  at 
sea  and  have  had  only  one  day  without  rain;  only  one 
day  in  which  we  could  possibly  dry  our  clothes.  As  it 
has  been  blowing  like  a  hurricane  a  great  part  of  the  time, 
so  our  Decks  have  been  almost  constantly  under  water, 
our  Passage  thus  far  has  indeed  been  uncomfortable  in 
the  extreme. 

Rejoice  then  with  me,  my  lovely  friend,  at  the  pleasure 
of  once  more  beholding  a  fair  wind — of  again  viewing  a 
clear  and  serene  sky.  I  know  my  dear,  your  heart  would 
indeed  rejoice,  could  you  see,  how  I,  at  this  moment  enjoy 
the  Comforts  of  a  smooth  face  and  a  clean  shirt, — Com- 
forts to  which  I  have  been  many  days  a  Stranger. 

Would  you  not  take  pleasure  in  seeing  that,  to  display 
my  gratitude  I  have  killed  my  only  remaining  pig  and 
ordered  a  sumptuous  dinner  for  all  hands?  I  hope  indeed 
that  I  shall  never  lack  Gratitude;  for  I  have  certainly 
many — very  many  things  to  be  grateful  for.  I  have  been 
preserved   and   protected   through   all   the   dangers   and 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         147 

troubles  that  surrounded  me.  I  have  a  Prospect  of  soon 
reaching  that  Home  where  I  have  enjoyed  so  much  happi- 
ness, of  soon  embracing  the  dear  wife  of  my  bosom,  and 
the  darling  child  of  my  affections — I  cannot  too  often  men- 
tion this  subject — for  my  thoughts  are  perpetually  re- 
curring to  it. 

I  cannot  be  too  grateful  that  "the  lines  have  fallen  to 
me  in  so  pleasant  places— that  I  have  so  goodly  an  heri- 
tage." Yes,  my  love,  a  happy  union  ours  has  been.  No 
discord  has  marred  our  peace — no  coldness  has  poisoned 
our  domestic  felicity.  We  were  neither  of  us  so  young  as 
to  form  romantic  and  chimerical  ideas  of  happiness.  We 
were  neither  of  us  so  old  as  to  have  lost  a  relish  for  the 
dear  delights  of  Mutual  Love,  and  that  truly  rational  plan 
of  Domestic  Enjoyment  which  Heaven  has  ordained  for 
congenial  souls. 

Our  lovely  Betsey  too — the  pleasure — the  fond  pride  of 
our  hearts — how  often,  in  idea,  is  the  little  Innocent  pres- 
ent to  my  imagination.  How  often  does  my  busy  fancy 
picture  her  out — as  I  watch  her  growing  attractions — as  I 
catch  her  endearing  smile.  Alas!  Where  would  busy 
imagination  lead  me!  perhaps — even  now — I  have  no 
child — perhaps  too — that  child  has  no  Mother.  Heaven 
avert  the  Thought!  Yes — I  will  still  believe  that  these 
Blessings  are  yet  mine,  still  will  I  daily  pray  to  heaven 
for  their  continuance  and  for  every  blessing  to  rest  on  the 
head  of  those  so  dear  to  me.  May  the  time  soon  arrive 
my  sweet  friend,  when  these  air  built  castles  of  imagination 
shall  be  lost   in   delightful  reality. 


148  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 


Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  Nov.  4th,  1804. 
We  have  just  experienced  another  severe  and  heavy 
gale  of  wind.  Our  fair  wind  and  fine  weather  of  which 
I  boasted  so  much  a  few  days  ago,  lasted  us  only 
twelve  hours.  The  wind  is  now,  as  usual,  ahead,  but  it 
does  not,  as  usual,  blow  a  Gale.  On  the  contrary, 
the  return  of  "Sabbath's  peaceful  day,"  has  brought 
us  a  return  of  fair  and  pleasant  weather.  I  have  been 
overhauling  my  Accounts  and  arranging  my  papers;  for 
as  yet,  notwithstanding  the  length  of  time  that  I  have 
been  at  sea  we  have  had  no  Weather  in  which  I  could 
complete  that  necessary  business.  I  wish  I  could  take 
a  peep  at  a  certain  fireside  now,  and  see  what  my  dear 
Nancy  is  about.  Can  you  leave  our  little  one  and  attend 
the  solemn  exercises  of  Devotion?  You  have  no  cousin 
Becca  with  you  now  to  take  care  of  the  little  cherub. 
Good  sister  Ellen,  however,  is  at  hand,  and  Ellen,  I 
hope,  loves  my  child.  With  her,  my  love,  I  think  you 
can  sometimes  intrust  her,  and  step  out  to  see  a  good 
old  friend,  Cousin  Nancy,  for  instance,  or  good  Aunt 
DeWolf — or  our  friendly  Mrs.  Mosher.  I  hope  Capt. 
Munroe  is  now  at  home.  He  I  know,  will  be  kind  and 
neighborly  to  you.  Our  good  brother  Wm.  perhaps  he 
too  is  at  home,  and  Polly  may  sometimes  spare  him  for 
a  moment  to  look  in  upon  you.  Wardwell,  will  I  know, 
sometimes  call  and  say  a  cheerful  thing,  and  the  Count, 
I  set  down  as  a  constant  and  ever  welcome  visitor.  So 
that  what  with  your  good  and  kind  Father,  who  is  always 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         149 

ready  with  his  offices  of  kindness  I  hope  the  time  will 
not  pass  too  heavily  till  I  again  see  you. 

At  Sea,  Nov.  11th,  1804. 

I  have  dragg'd  through  another  heavy  week,  with  the 
old  story  of  constant  head  Winds  and  one  Gale  which  was 
by  far  the  heaviest  we  have  yet  experienced  on  this  un- 
lucky Passage.  Our  sails  are  continually  splitting  in 
pieces;  our  water  and  provisions  beginning  to  be  scant, 
so  that  our  prospect  on  the  whole  is  truly  discouraging. 
Yet,  to-day  we  have  been  much  enlivened,  having  after  24 
hours  calm,  felt  a  fair  wind.  Yes,  a  fine,  fair  breeze. 
We  crowded  all  sail,  and  it  did  not  come  ahead  in  almost 
three  hours. 

Only  think  of  that,  after  being  forty  days  at  sea.  We 
have  had  a  fair  wind  almost  three  hours.  Indeed  it  is 
worth  remarking,  as  it  is  the  best  we  have  had  in  the  whole 
forty  days.  And  even  now  the  wind  is  not  directly  in 
our  teeth,  nor  does  it  blow  a  gale.  Heigh — ho — Do  you 
think,  my  sweet  friend,  that  I  have  got  quite  into  the 
complaining  mood?  I  would  not  wish  to  think  so  my- 
self, tho'  I  have  had  many  little  things  on  this  passage  to 
vex  and  torment  me. 

My  second  mate  is  a  continual  thorn  in  my  flesh.  One 
good  man's  jacket  would  be  worth  a  dozen  of  him.  I  have 
lost,  overboard  two  of  the  handsomest  puppies  which  you 
ever  saw.  As  they  were  born  on  board  and  were  just 
beginning  to  be  very  playful,  I  had  promised  myself  much 
amusement  with  them.     Their  mother,  too,  is  lost,   so 


150  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

that  my  fine  breed  of  Dogs  are  all  gone.  But  my  dear, 
there  is  one  thing  that  has  given  me  much  Pleasure,  and 
I  wonder  that  I  have  not  mentioned  it  to  you  before.  At 
Copenhagen  I  took  a  little  Danish  boy,  just  in  his  twelfth 
year.  This  little  fellow  could  neither  speak  nor  under- 
stand a  word  of  English;  but  being  docile  and  tractable 
it  has  been  a  pleasure  to  instruct  him.  He  is  apparently 
of  a  lively  and  good  disposition  and  already  begins  to 
speak  considerable  English,  and  understands  almost  all 
that  is  said  to  him. 

At  Sea,  Novr.  21st,  1804. 
We  have  now  been  fifty  days  at  sea.  When  we  left 
Copenhagen  I  hoped  by  this  time  to  embrace  my  sweet 
friend.  Alas!  there  is  yet  a  great,  a  very  great  Distance 
between  us.  Who  could  foretell  that  we  should  have  such 
horrid  weather?  Twenty  days  ago  we  expected  to  find 
soundings  on  the  Grand  Banks  of  Newfoundland,  but 
have  not  been  able  yet  to  reach  it,  altho'  the  last  two  days 
have  been  the  most  favourable  we  have  had  for  many 
weeks.  Yesterday  we  spoke  the  ship  Cotton  Planter, 
from  Liverpool  bound  to  New  York.  On  board  that 
ship  is  Mr.  Boothe.  We  were  so  near  that  we  knew  each 
other,  and  conversed  together,  and  I  assure  you  it  gave 
me  much  pleasure  to  behold  once  more  his  smutty  face. 
Pshaw!  Why  do  I  talk  of  complexion — he  is  a  man, 
and  what  is  more  he  is  a  man  of  Merit,  as  such  I  esteem 
him — tho'  in  truth  I  should  be  glad  at  this  time  to  see  any- 
body that  I  knew  before.     When  I  shall  be  indulged  with 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         151 

the  pleasure  of  seeing  those  I  love,  I  know  not.  Our  pro- 
visions and  water  begin  to  be  scant,  and  our  prospect  on 
the  whole  borders  on  the  gloomy — but  "Why  art  thou 
cast  down  Oh!  my  soul,  and  why  art  thou  disquieted 
within  me?  Hope  thou  in  God — He  will  yet  preserve 
thee  and  restore  thee  to  thy  dear  wife  and  child. 

Your  own, 

J.  W.  Russell. 

Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  Novr.  22nd,  1804. 

Rejoice  with  me — my  dear  Nancy — I  have  unexpect- 
edly got  rid  of  one  of  my  troubles.  Have  a  little  patience 
and  I  will  explain  to  you. 

At  Copenhagen  at  the  request  of  the  American  Consul, 
I  took  aboard  three  American  sailors  to  give  them  a 
passage  home.  When  American  seamen  are  left  destitute 
abroad,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Consuls  to  furnish  them  a 
passage  by  the  first  ship,  and  it  is  always  expected — in 
fact  the  law  makes  it  their  duty — to  work  on  board  the  ship 
which  takes  them,  the  same  as  other  men.  Well,  of  these 
three  men  two  had  been  taken  from  the  Wreck  of  a  Vir- 
ginia Brig  at  sea,  and  brought  in  to  Copenhagen.  These 
poor  fellows  were  destitute  of  everything  but  the  clothes 
on  their  Backs.  I  furnished  them  with  a  few  necessaries 
from  my  own  purse — and,  to  do  them  justice,  they  have 
behaved  well  and  been  first  and  foremost  in  their 
Duty. 

The  third  sailor  was  one  landed  at  Copenhagen  from  a 
Portsmouth  ship  and  left  there  sick  in  the  Hospital,  having 


152  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

however,  entirely  recovered  before  I  took  him  on  board. 
This  last  had  plenty  of  clothes  and  plenty  of  money.  They 
all  promised  me  to  work  like  other  seamen — and  with  this 
addition  to  our  number  you  will  easily  judge  that  our 
ship's  duty  was  not  hard.  The  two  first  performed  their 
Promise  without  grumbling — the  other  kept  half  drunk 
for  the  first  fortnight  until  his  own  juggs  of  rum  were 
gone.  This  you  may  be  sure  made  much  quarreling  and 
trouble  on  board,  and  after  that,  as  I  would  only  give 
him  his  daily  allowance  of  rum  with  the  rest,  he  would  do 
nothing  without  being  forced  to.  And  as  his  name  was 
not  on  my  shipping  bill,  he  well  knew  that  I  could  not 
lawfully  oblige  him. 

Now  altho'  we  had  plenty  of  help — yet  the  other  two 
cheerfully  did  their  Duty,  and  as  this  was  a  great  two 
fisted  fellow,  who  would  eat  three  men's  allowance  and 
was  besides  continually  grumbling  at  his  living,  etc.  you 
may  be  sure  this  kept  a  constant  uneasiness  on  board.  I 
have  had  to  give  him  one  severe  flogging  and  know  not 
to  what  lengths  I  might  have  been  driven,  by  the  rascal, — 
but  thank  God — this  morning  we  spoke  a  Brig  from  Mal- 
aga, bound  to  Salem,  who  at  my  earnest  request,  took 
him  on  board,  to  the  great  joy  of  all  my  Crew,  not  one 
of  whom  took  him  by  the  hand  or  wished  him  Good  bye. 
Only  think — Sailors,  you  know,  when  shipmates,  soon 
forget  their  little  quarrels,  especially  when  on  the  point 
of  separating.  This  fellow  had  been  their  shipmate  for 
two  months  and  not  a  man  out  of  twelve,  would  even 
go  to  the  ship's  side,  to  see  him  go  in  the  boat,  so  com- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         153 

pletely  had  he  gotten  the  ill  will  of  every  one.     Well,  he 
is  gone — and  again  I  say— God  be  thanked. 

At  Sea,  Decemr.  1st,  1804. 
My  dear  Nancy. 

I  little  thought  when  I  left  Copenhagen  to  be  now  at 
this  distance  from  you.  Sixty  days  we  have  been  at  sea, 
and  thirty  days  ago  we  were  nigher  home  than  we  are  now. 
Our  passage  has  indeed  thus  far  been  a  horrid  one.  For 
these  two  days  it  has  been  blowing  a  furious  gale  at  North- 
west, and  I  am  steering  as  fast  as  possible  to  the  Southwd., 
expecting  if  practicable  to  run  to  some  West  Indian  port 
for  supplies.  We  are  continually  wet  and  the  Weather  is 
so  rough,  that  it  is  with  the  utmost  difficulty  we  can  cook 
once  a  day.  I  am  writing  this  my  sweet  friend,  while  the 
water  is  dripping  from  every  part  of  my  dress  and  cramped 
up,  where  I  cannot  even  stretch  my  short  legs.  But  my 
fingers  grow  stiff  and  cold — I  must  throw  by  the  pen  and 
light  my  pipe  to  warm  my  nose — 

Deer.  2nd. — Again  we  hail  the  return  of  "Sabbath's 
peaceful  day" — but  not  to  me  returns  its  accustomed  de- 
lights. We  are  still  driving  away  to  the  Southwd.,  the 
wind  hanging  to  Westwd.  more  regular  and  longer  than 
ever  I  knew  a  Trade  Wind  to  do  at  the  Eastwd.  But  the 
weather  begins  to  be  warmer,  and  it  does  not  now  blow 
quite  a  gale — though  the  water  is  still  flying  over  our 
Decks — but  we  are  used  to  it — heigh — ho!!! — 


154  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

At  Sea,  Decemr.  9th,  1804. 
We  are  now,  my  dear  friend,  almost  as  far  south  as 
Charleston.  Of  course,  the  weather  is  warm  enough  to 
be  comfortable,  but  we  make  so  slow  a  passage  to  the 
Westwd.  that  it  is  more  than  probable  that  we  shall  have 
to  try  some  other  port  for  supplies  before  we  reach  Bristol. 
But  we  ought  not  now  to  grumble,  for  these  last  24  hours, 
we  have  made  more  Westing  than  we  have  in  any  one 
day  for  forty  days  past.  Grumble,  no — I  do  not  mean  to 
grumble;  altho'  I  have  enough  to  make  me  uneasy.  Yet 
believe  me  my  sweet  wife,  my  greatest  source  of  uneasi- 
ness is  on  your  account.  When  I  reflect,  to  how  many 
accidents,  difficulties  and  perplexities  you  may  be  liable, 
in  my  absence,  and  above  all,  when  I  reflect  that  you 
probably  now  begin  to  feel  uneasy  for  my  safety,  and 
anxious  at  my  long  delay — When  I  think  of  you  weeping 
over  our  little  darling  and  asking  her  "Where's  her 
Papa" — the  thought  almost  unmans  me.  Dry  up  your 
tears  my  love,  and  do  not  give  way  to  despondency.  Soon, 
very  soon  I  trust,  I  shall  again  be  with  you,  and  embrace 
all  on  earth  that's  dear  to  your 

John  W.  Russell. 

Brig  Minerva,  At  Sea,  Deer.  11th,  1804. 
Why,  my  dear  Nancy,  would  you  marry  a  sailor?  Why 
did  you  not  join  your  fate  with  some  deserving  man  who 
could  stay  at  home  and  cherish  the  Wife  of  his  bosom  in 
the  lap  of  Ease  and  Competence?  How  many  anxious 
days  and  sleepless  nights  might  such  a  choice  have  saved 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         155 

you!  Now  you  must  bear  the  pain  of  Separation  a  great 
part  of  the  time,  while  your  ill-starr'd  husband  roves  from 
clime  to  clime  to  earn  a  scanty  subsistence. 

This  day.  my  love,  completes  six  months  since  I  sail'd 
from  Newport.  We  have  now  been  seventy  days  at  sea, 
and  are  still  at  a  great  distance  from  our  Port.  Indeed 
we  now  begin  to  despair  of  being  able  to  celebrate  Christ- 
mas on  shore.  For  myself,  I  hardly  dare  cast  my  thought 
towards  Home,  lest  I  see  you  anxious  and  uneasy  at  my 
long  detention.  When  I  begin  to  grow  quite  melancholy 
with  such  contemplations  I  steal  down  to  my  trunk — take 
out  my  favourite  locket  which  contains  a  dear  memento 
of  my  wife  and  child,  and  having  given  it  a  sly  kiss — 
compose  my  troubled  thoughts  to  rest. 

At  Sea,  Deer.  19th,  1804. 

My  dear  friend,  while  the  snow  is  descending  in  clouds 
on  my  deck  I  have  crawled  to  my  uncomfortable  and 
dreary  cabin  wet,  shivering  and  cold,  to  converse  for  a 
moment  with  my  Nancy.  Yet,  I  will  not,  my  love,  be 
always  in  the  complaining  mood,  for  since  I  wrote  the  last 
page  we  have  had  a  week  of  tolerable  weather,  the  Wind 
sometimes  ahead — sometimes  fair,  but  no  gales,  it  has 
wafted  us  well  on  towards  our  Port,  and  on  the  whole 
has  been  by  far  the  pleasantest  week  we  have  had  during 
the  whole  Passage. 

We  had  begun  to  flatter  ourselves  with  soon  being  able 
to  reach  dear  Bristol — but — last  Saturday  night  and  Sun- 
day came  on  a  very  heavy  Gale,  with  violent  Rains,  and 


156  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

the  Wind  at  length  coming  right  ahead,  we  hove  to  and 
lay  thirty  hours,  our  decks  being  continually  drenched 
with  the  heavy  seas  and  rain,  our  cabin  and  all  in  it  almost 
afloat,  and  the  cold  very  severe.  You  may  guess  how  it 
felt  to  us,  who,  five  days  ago  were  in  a  W.  India  climate. 

But  stop — I  promised  not  to  complain.  Indeed  I  am 
obliged  to  stifle  my  own  complaints  in  order  to  encourage 
my  Crew,  many  of  who,  for  want  of  the  necessary  shifts 
of  clothes,  are  much  worse  off  than  myself.  While  I  have 
been  writing  this,  the  snow  storm,  which  had  lasted  six 
hours  is  over — the  Sun  again  shines  out,  and  the  wind 
blows  moderate,  but  cold  at  N.  N.  W.  We  are  standing 
on  to  Westwd.  all  hands,  as  usual  busy  repairing  our  sails, 
which  are  continually  splitting  to  pieces.  When — Oh — 
when  my  sweet  friend,  shall  I  be  able  to  enfold  you  again 
in  my  arms?  When  again  shall  I  kiss  my  smiling  babe? 
I  most  earnestly  hope  and  pray  that  you  may  not  know 
how  long  I  have  been  at  sea,  till  I  meet  you.  May  that 
time  soon,  very  soon  arrive.     Good  bye. 

At  Sea,  Deer.  22nd,  1804. 
Your  poor  little  husband,  my  dear  friend,  is  almost  dis- 
couraged. Yesterday  morning  we  saw  the  land  for  the  first 
time.  Being  very  thick  weather,  we  could  not  determine 
precisely  where  we  were.  The  wind  being  N.  E.  we 
hoped  it  might  prove  to  be  the  Vineyard,  and  stood  along 
it  to  the  Westward  till  noon,  when  we  found  it  to  be  Long 
Island.  We  then  wore  ship,  but  by  this  time  it  blew  furi- 
ously at  N.  E.  which  is  right  ahead.     It  still  continues  a 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         157 

Gale  from  the  same  Quarter.  Our  sails  mostly  split  to 
pieces.  Our  rigging  continually  parting.  So,  after  being 
almost  in  sight  of  our  Port,  we  are  drifting  off  again  to  Sea. 
The  Decks  continually  covered  with  water,  and  of  course, 
all  hands  wet.  The  cold  severe.  Our  comforts  and  our 
immediate  prospects  are  small  indeed.   Heigh — ho !  !  ! 


At  Sea,  Deer.  25th,  1804. 

Who  would  have  thought,  my  Love,  when  I  sailed  from 
Copenhagen  on  the  2nd  of  October  that  my  passage  would 
be  unfinished  and  that  I  should  be  still  tossing  on  the  ocean 
on  Christmas  Day.  I  had  flattered  myself  to  have  been 
at  my  own  dear  Home,  to  have  joined  in  the  solemn  exer- 
cises of  the  Church  in  commemoration  of  a  Saviour's 
birth — to  have  assembled  a  small  party  of  family  friends 
at  my  own  table,  and  happy  in  the  smiles  of  my  Nancy 
and  the  playful  sport  of  my  child  to  have  rejoiced  and 
made  merry  on  the  Anniversary  of  that  Day  which  pro- 
claimed "  Peace  on  Earth  and  Good  Will  to  all  Men." 

How  uncertain  are  all  human  prospects.  Since  I  wrote 
the  last  page  after  a  calm,  which  we  all  flattered  ourselves 
was  the  harbinger  of  a  fair  Wind,  we  have  again  felt  a 
N.  E.  gale.  It  began  yesterday  morning,  accompanied  with 
heavy  rain,  which  wetting  every  man  to  the  skin  at  this 
cold  season,  has  almost  perished  my  crew.  Last  night  it 
was  again  calm,  and  this  morning  again  a  northerly  wind, 
with  snow,  hail  and  rain.  Tis  now  almost  N.  W.  which 
is  a  little  better  for  us. 


158  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I  intend  my  dear,  to  drink  a  glass  of  wine  after  Dinner 
— when  I  shall  wish  you — not  a  Merry  Christmas,  but  a 
tranquil  and  happy  one.  Whatever  may  betide  me,  may 
every  blessing  rest  on  my  Wife  and  Child — this  is  the  first 
wish  of  my  heart  and  will  be  ever  the  last  of  your 

J.  W.  R. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         159 


XI 

THE  WEST  INDIA  TRADE   IN    1805-6 

Schooner  Angenora,  At  Sea,  April  14th,  1805. 

My  Dearest  Friend  : 

Once  more  I  find  myself  removed  from  those  I  love — 
and  tossed  on  that  rude  and  boisterous  element  which  long 
habit  has  rendered  familiar  to  me.  Six  days  have  elapsed 
since  I  parted  with  my  weeping  wife  and  smiling  babe, 
unconscious  that  pale  disease  lowered  on  her  features, 
unconscious  of  those  feelings  which  agonized  the  breasts 
of  her  Parents.  Never  my  love,  did  I  feel  so  much  de- 
spondency at  parting  with  you  as  at  this  time,  weak,  and 
hardly  able  to  crawl  myself — torn  with  anxiety  for  the 
safety  of  my  beloved  Child  and  a  witness  of  the  uncommon 
anguish  which  you,  my  dear  wife,  suffered — it  was  indeed 
too  much. 

I  tried  to  dissipate  all  reflection,  but  it  was  some  time 
before  I  could  bring  myself  to  think  or  act  rationally. 
One  of  the  first  reflections  that  occurred  to  console  me, 
was  the  reasonable  ground  I  had  to  conclude  that  our 
sweet  Child  was  better  and  that  the  cause  of  her  Illness 
was  removed.  My  own  health  is  renovated  surprisingly, 
my  appetite  has  returned  with  such  violence  that  salt  beef 
and  pork  stand  but  little  chance  with  me.  The  weather 
has    been    extremely    cold — winds    mostly    ahead — with 


160  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

plenty  of  rain.  I  hunted  a  long  time  for  a  pair  of  mittens 
or  gloves  but  could  find  none.  I  suppose  I  was  a  little 
tender  from  having  been  so  long  shut  up;  but  certain  it 
is  that  I  suffered  more  from  having  my  hands  exposed  to 
the  cold  during  the  first  three  days  of  being  out,  than  I 
ever  did  at  any  former  period  of  my  life. 

The  whole  of  last  night  we  had  continued  squalls  of  rain 
with  heavy  thunder  and  lightning.  It  has  cleared  off 
pleasant,  with  a  light  head  wind.  Thus  you  see  I  am 
spending  the  Sabbath  in  chatting  to  my  Friend.  You,  I 
hope,  are  spending  it  better. 

At  Sea,  April  18th. 

After  a  pretty  brisk  gale  at  N.  E.  which  however,  being 
fair  has  wafted  us  on  finely — we  have  now  a  beautiful, 
warm  and  pleasant  day — it  is  almost  calm.  To-day  I 
have  for  the  first  time  on  this  passage  exchanged  my  thick 
dress  for  a  thin  one.  We  have  made  many  attempts  on 
this  passage  to  catch  fish  without  success,  but  to-day  I 
have  caught  a  fine  large  Dolphin,  and  am  preparing  to 
feast  myself  with  a  supper  of  it  this  evening. 

Having  mentioned  our  frequent  ineffectual  attempts  to 
take  Fish,  and  knowing  that  my  own  carelessness  was 
the  cause  of  that  failure,  having  felt  the  effects  of  that 
careless  Inattention  in  several  instances  already  since  I 
left  home,  I  have  thought  best  to  make  a  memorandum 
of  such  things  as  now  escaped  my  memory  that  I  may 
provide  for  the  deficiency  when  preparing  for  any  future 
voyage — thereby  making  the  best  use  of  present  miscon- 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         161 

duct,  by  holding  it  up  as  a  beacon,  and  a  warning  to  avoid 
the  like  in  time  to  come. 

Memorandum  for  Capt.  Russell. 

Never  leave  Home  for  sea,  at  any  season,  but  especially 
at  the  first  of  April  without  taking  woolen  mittens  with  you, 
as  you  severely  felt  the  want  of  them  this  time. 

Never  leave  three  hats  in  the  Hatter's  shop  and  one  in  the 
Garret  and  go  to  sea  with  only  the  one  on  your  head — lest, 
as  in  the  present  case — by  losing  that  one — you  should  be 
reduced  to  a  silk  handkerchief  turban. 

Never  leave  your  fishing  lines  in  the  Garret  to  hang 
clothes  on,  and  go  to  sea  without  any,  lest  when  the  fish 
come  round,  and  you  have  nothing  to  catch  them  with, 
you  should  fret  more  than  they  are  worth. 

Never  leave  spike  Gimblets  and  other  such  tools  at  home, 
the  want  of  them  at  sea  is  open  more  than  ten  times  their 
value.  This  memm.  will  doubtless  be  enlarged  in  the  course 
of  the  voyage. 

Adieu  my  love.     Good  bye  my  babe,  "  Go  way  Pa' 


— go  way  Kitty  " 

At  Sea,  April  25th,  1805. 
We  have  now  for  three  days  had  the  wind  right  ahead. 
For  the  last  twenty  four  hours  we  have  gained  only  three 
miles  to  the  Southwd.  but  the  weather  is  quite  pleasant, 
and  I  have  this  day  tried  to  be  comfortable,  with  the 
assistance  of  a  smooth  face  and  a  clean  shirt. 


162  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

How  often  my  Dear,  have  I  had  occasion  to  remark 
that  we  never  rightly  appreciate  our  enjoyments  until  we 
feel  their  deprivation.  The  three  Months  which  I  have 
lately  spent  at  Home — "have  unfelt,  uncounted  glided 
by"  but  I  trust,  not  wholly  unenjoyed.  The  pleasures 
which  I  have  tasted  by  my  own  fireside,  and  the  satis- 
faction I  have  felt  when  seated  with  my  lov'd  Wife  and 
darling  Child  are  such  pleasures  as  will  bear  reflection ; 
they  will  be  an  abundant  source  of  consolation  to  me 
wherever  I  may  wander,  while  the  power  of  reflection 
remains.  True,  my  love,  I  cannot  on  this  Holy  Day 
attend  you  to  the  solemn  services  of  the  Temple,  and 
catch  the  features  of  our  smiling  Babe  watching  our 
return  at  the  window;  but  I  can  feast  upon  past  scenes 
like  these,  and  in  my  mind's  eye,  I  can  view  you  and  good 
Rebecca  as  you  carry  my  babe  to  the  window,  and  bid 
her  call  her  Papa. 

Havana,  4  o'clock  p.m.,  April  28th. 
I  am  safe  in  port  my  love,  surrounded  with  my  Bristol 
friends.  I  have  your  letter — our  dear  Betsey  almost  well 
— God  be  thanked — I  hope  you  will  not  be  sick.  I  trust 
my  dear,  that  you  will  not  be  over-anxious  about  me. 
My  health  is  very  good,  neither  is  it  sickly  here,  and  I 
think  I  shall  very  soon  be  with  you — again  to  be  truly 
happy  with  the  friend  of  my  heart — and  to  have  that 
happiness  doubled  in  the  innocent  endearments  of  our 
darling — our  dear  Bess.  How  I  long  again  to  kiss  her 
sweet  cheek,  again  to  listen  for  hours  to  her  harmless 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         163 

Prattle.  You  have  that  comfort,  my  Love,  at  all  times, 
yet  I  do  not  grudge  it  to  you,  on  the  contrary  I  rejoice 
from  my  heart  that  you  have  such  a  source  of  comfort 
when  deprived  of  those  kind  and  delicate  attentions  which 
my  feelings  have  always  prompted  me  to  bestow  on  you. 
I  have  but  little  leisure  now,  my  friend,  and  must  once 
more  say  God  bless  you. 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Russell,  Bristol,  R.  I. 

Per  S.  Eliza,  Capt.  Phillips. 

Havana.  May  19th  1805. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

I  am  almost  ready  for  sea  and  set  down  now  to  say  a 
word  to  you,  I  hope  for  the  last  time,  untill  I  once  more 
shape  my  course  for  my  dear  home.  Unless  something 
unforseen  should  prevent  me,  I  shall  sail  from  hence  in 
three  or  four  days.  *  *  *  Sweet  little  Betsey!  Who 
now  will  take  you  to  the  Garden  in  a  morning?  Who 
now  will  call  the  fowls  to  the  door  while  you  feed  them, 
and  watch  with  exulting  pleasure,  every  movement  of 
your  animated  countenance?  Soon,  my  dear  little  One, 
I  hope  to  be  with  you,  and  again  share  with  the  best  of 
Mothers,  the  pleasure  of  attending  to  our  darling.  Since 
I  wrote  you  last  the  Brig  Warren,  Capt.  Coggeshall,  has 
arrived  here  from  Warren.  As  she  must  have  cleared 
out  at  Bristol  I  certainly  felt  disappointed  at  not  receiving 
any  letters.  But  I  well  know  my  love,  that  it  could  not 
be  owing  to  neglect  on  your  part.     Would  to  Heaven 


164  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

however  that  I  could  know  at  this  moment,  that  you  and 
our  dear  babe  were  well. 

I  expect  Capt.  Swan  to  go  home  with  me.  He  is  meagre 
and  low  in  health,  but  I  think  will  soon  be  better.  This 
Africa,  my  friend,  ruins  the  health  or  takes  the  lives  of 
nine  tenths  who  are  concerned  in  it,  and  poisons  the  morals 
of  most  of  the  survivors*  But  away  with  the  disgusting 
idea!    I  will  not  dwell  upon  it.     *    *    * 

Schooner  Angenora,  At  Sea,  May  25th,  1805. 
Once  more  my  dearest  friend,  I  date  to  you  from  sea. 
Yesterday  morning  we  sailed  from  Havana,  and  though 
we  have  had  but  little  wind  and  it  is  now  quite  calm — 
yet  we  are  ahead  to  windward  of  Matanzas — the  current 
being  greatly  in  our  favor.  Capt.  Swan,  who  is  with  me 
is  quite  weak  and  low.  Mr.  Boothe,  who  is  also  with  me, 
is  groaning  with  rheumatic  pains,  but  for  myself,  I  have, 
thank  God,  excellent  health,  and  my  spirits  are  quite 
raised  with  the  prospects  of  soon  embracing  the  loved 
wife  of  my  bosom,  of  soon  beholding  my  darling  Child. 
I  had,  as  usual,  got  quite  sick  and  tired  of  Havana, 
although  I  met  with  no  uncommon  trouble  or  detention 
— and  the  place  is,  in  many  respects  delightful,  but  there 
is  little  to  interest  the  feelings — there  is  nothing  for  the 
mind  to  feast  upon. 

There  all  Religion's  but  a  name, 

And  sacred  Friendship's  much  the  same — 

There  Slavery  clanks  her  chains. 

*  The  Slave  Trade. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         165 

From  scenes  like  these  I  turn,  my  love,  with  pleasure 
to  the  anticipation  of  our  scenes  of  dear  domestic  felicity 
at  home.     May  they  soon  be  realized. 

At  Sea,  May  27th,  1805. 

We  have  as  yet,  my  dear  Nancy,  made  but  slow  progress 
toward  our  wish'd  for  port.  We  are  now  just  clear  of 
Florida  passage.  Yesterday  had  the  wind  ahead  and 
to-day  entirely  calm;  the  sun  being  right  over  our  heads 
— no  shade — no  shelter — and  not  a  breath  of  air.  The 
heat  is  intolerable  almost  to  suffocation.  We  have  had 
fine  amusement  in  catching  fish — having  caught  three 
times  as  many  large  dolphins  as  we  could  eat  fresh,  and 
have  salted  them  down.  To-day  we  took  a  very  large 
shark — it  was  a  female — and  on  opening  it,  we  took  out 
seven  young  ones — nearly  a  foot  long  each.  On  putting 
them  into  the  water  they  swam  off  as  readily  as  if  they  had 
taken  their  own  time  for  making  their  appearance.  Jacob* 
is  very  busy  in  overhauling  the  oranges — as  they  were 
scarce,  I  bought  but  few,  and  as  he  is  continually  throwing 
overboard  rotten  ones — he  is  very  fearful  that  he  shall 
not  get  any  home  for  little  Betsey.  Dear  sweet  Betsey! 
How  I  long  to  clasp  you  in  my  arms — to  kiss  your  lovely 
cheek  and  see  your  Mother  smile  upon  us. 

At  my  leisure  hours  I  am  amusing  myself  in  making  two 
floor  mats — one  of  which  I  intend  for  our  much  esteemed 
friend,  Cousin  Nancy.  I  hope  she  will  be  pleased  with  it. 
My  friend  Swan  is  apparently  better,  but  is  very  weak  and 
low.  I  sometimes  have  doubts  how  it  will  turn  with  him. 
*  The  twelve  year  old  Danish  boy  shipped  in  Copenhagen  (see  page  150). 


166  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

At  Sea,  June  1st,  1805. 

This  day  whate'er  the  fates  decree 
Shall  still  be  kept  with  joy  by  me — 
The  day  when  to  her  lover's  arms 
My  Nancy  gave,  for  life,  her  charms. 

You  see,  my  dear  that  the  anniversary  of  our  Wedding 
Day  has  almost  made  me  a  Poet.  This  day,  were  I  with 
you  my  love,  should  have  been  a  little  holiday,  a  treat  to 
our  family  friends.  But  though  painfully  separated  from 
you,  I  trust  I  shall  always  remember  with  renewed  pleas- 
ure that  day  which  gave  birth  to  our  blissful  Union.  Long 
— very  long  may  it  continue  to  add  encreasing  happiness 
to  me  in  the  endearing  names  of  Husband  and  Father. 
Sweet  little  Bess!  Where  are  you  my  darling?  Alas 
you  see  not  your  Pa'  wet,  cold  and  fatigued  with  wet 
weather,     'Tis  too  rough  to  write. 

At  Sea,  June  6th,  1805. 
Slow  and  tedious,  my  dear  Nancy  is  our  progress  on 
this  passage.  It  does  not  half  keep  pace  with  my  wishes 
which  are  continually  reaching  forward  and  striving  for 
a  peep  at  my  much  lov'd  home.  We  have  been  drenched 
with  very  heavy  rains,  and  becalm 'd  at  least  half  the  time, 
since  we  left  Havana.  But  thank  God,  we  are  past  the 
most  dangerous  part  of  our  Passage,  being  now  as  far 
north  as  Cape  Henry.  A  good  wind  now  for  two  days 
would  take  us  to  Rhode  Island,  but  from  present  appear- 
ances it  will  take  us  I  fear  a  great  many  days.  Well, 
patience  perforce ! 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         167 

It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  find  my  friend,  Swan, 
daily  gaining  health  and  strength.  His  company  and 
that  of  Mr.  Boothe  are  a  great  relief  to  me.  The  later  is 
a  man  of  sense  with  a  pretty  large  share  of  acquired  knowl- 
edge, and  modest  and  unassuming  in  his  manners.  Are 
you  not  beginning  to  look  for  my  arrival,  my  love?  Me- 
thinks  I  see  you  sending  our  little  cherub  to  the  window 
to  watch  for  her  Papa.  I  hope  she  has  not  forgotten 
me.  May  heaven  bless  you  both  my  dear,  and  soon 
again  bless  in  being  with  you,  your  own. 

Angenora,  At  Sea,  June  9th,  1805. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

A  few  days  since  I  flattered  myself  to  have  spent  this 
day — Sunday — in  happiness  and  peace  with  you  and  our 
sweet  Babe,  but  far  different  is  now  my  situation.  Yester- 
day morning  we  saw  the  land.  It  was  Long  Island  and 
not  more  than  three  hours  sail  from  the  Passage,  but  the 
wind  being  easterly  could  not  fetch  by.  At  11  o'clock 
when  near  the  land  we  carried  away  our  fore  yard  which 
rendered  the  topsail  useless.  We  wore  ship  and  stood 
off — the  wind  now  blowing  furiously  right  on  shore,  a 
very  heavy  sea  and  raining  like  a  deluge.  Add  to  this 
that  the  water  has  been  continually  pouring  into  our  cabin 
thro'  the  cracks  of  the  dead  lights,  so  that  bed  clothes  and 
in  short  everything  is  afloat.  You  will  judge  then  that  our 
situation  is  quite  disagreeable  enough.  True  my  love, 
it  is  so.  But  'tis  not  like  last  winter,  we  are  not  perishing 
with  cold.     But  when  almost  in  sight  of  Home  such  a 


168  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

head  storm  is  vexatious,  but  fretting,  I  find,  does  no  good. 
I  will  try  to  bear  it  and  lean  for  consolation  on  hope. 
Hope,  sweet  soother  of  the  soul,  much  do  I  need  thy 
smiles. 

*  St.  Domingo,  Augt.  2nd,  1806. 

Dearest  and  best  of  Friends — I  wish  you  could  see  and 
know  what  pleasure  I  feel  at  this  moment — when  I  can 
sit  down  and  uninterrupted,  dedicate  half  an  hour  to  my 
Nancy.  Much  indeed  do  I  need  some  little  relaxation 
and  much  do  I  lack  your  friendly  aid,  much  do  I  miss 
the  soothing  and  consoling  voice  of  Sympathy  and  Love. 
I  have  liv'd  on  shore  ever  since  I  arriv'd  here,  in  good 
quarters  indeed,  but  the  excessive  heat  and  daily  rains 
make  the  climate  almost  intolerable.  My  business  is  of 
a  critical  and  perplexing  nature,  and  I  am  obliged  to  take 
every  step  with  the  most  cautious  circumspection.  My 
little  crew  are  sick.  Mr.  Reed,  my  mate,  has  not  been 
well  since  we  left  Bristol,  and  although  a  very  good  young 
man,  he  is  now  drooping  and  good  for  nothing. 

Having  had  two  men  impressed  by  the  British  before 
my  arrival  here,  I  have  now  only  black  Isaac  and  little 
Jacob  who  are  well.  None  however  are  dangerous. 
Every  morning  at  six  o'clock  I  go  on  board  to  cheer  them 
and  give  directions,  and  again  in  the  afternoon,  for  none 
will  consent  to  have  a  Doctor,  or  receive  advice  from  any 
person  but  me. 

When  I  leave  here  I  shall  be  obliged  to  take  French 
sailors,  of  whom  the  City  is  full,  that  escaped  when  the 
*  With  this  letter  begins  the  narrative  of  another  West  India  voyage. 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         169 

French  fleet  was  destroyed  last  winter.     No  other  can 

be  obtained. 

From  the  foregoing  statement  you  will  readily  conclude 

my  love,  that  my  time  does  not  pass  very  pleasantly,  far 

otherwise — far  otherwise  indeed  was  it,  when  on  entering 

my  doors,  I  was  welcomed  by  a  smile  from  the  Friend  of 

my  Heart,  and  cheered  by  the  innocent  endearments  of 

our  Little  Ones.*    Sweet  innocents!    How  often  are  ye 

present  to  my  Imagination.     How  often  do  ye  deck  my 

waking  hours  with  Fancy's  fairest  wreaths,  how  often  do 

ye  visit  my  nightly  slumbers  with  dreams  of  delight.     Yes, 

my  dear  Nancy,  I  trust  that  if  we  perform  our  duty  to 

them 

Our  babes  shall  richest  comforts  bring; 
If  tutored  right  they'll  prove  a  spring 

Whence  pleasures  ever  rise. 
We'll  train  their  minds  with  studious  care 

To  all  that's  manly,  good  and  fair 
And  train  them  for  the  skies. 

While  they  our  happiest  hours  engage 
They'll  joy  our  youth,  support  our  age 
And  crown  our  hoary  hairs; 
They'll  grow  in  virtue  every  day 

And  thus  our  fondest  loves  repay 
And  recompense  our  cares. 

Our  Betsey  I  hope  will  continue  at  School  all  summer.  Tell 
her,  if  she  learns  well  and  is  good,  I  shall  certainly  bring 
her  a  pretty  Present.  I  will  not  promise  a  Parrot,  although 
there  are  thousands  here — for  I  hate  the  noise  of  them 
*  A  second  daughter,  named  Parnell,  had  been  born  Oct.  1,  1805. 


170  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

myself.  I  have  become  acquainted  with  two  French 
families  here  where  there  are  decent  white  women.  At 
one  of  these  places  I  sometimes  dine,  and  as  they  both 
have  young  children  I  frequently  call  in  and  amuse  myself 
half  an  hour  with  the  little  Innocents,  which  in  fact  is  the 
only  amusement  or  recreation  that  I  have  here.     *    *    * 


St.  Domingo,  Augt.  12th  1806. 

My  dearest  Nancy — It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  in- 
form my  sweet  friend  that  I  hope  to  leave  this  place  to- 
morrow. I  shall  touch  at  Baracoa,  but  expect  to  have  no 
detention  there.  Shall  then  proceed  to  Havana,  and 
soon,  very  soon  I  hope  again  to  be  in  the  bosom  of  my 
much  lov'd  family.  My  business  here  has  kept  me  in  a 
continual  state  of  perplexity  and  anxiety.  The  Americans 
are  all  sick  and  dying  around  me.  Mr.  Reed,  my  Mate, 
altho'  able  to  walk  about  will  probably  never  be  well. 
Black  Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  boy,  are  all  I  have  to  depend 
on.  The  sickness  here  generally  commences  with  an 
intermitting  fever.  I  have  this  morning  had  a  severe 
attack  of  it;  but  have  at  length  been  relieved  by  a  very 
profuse  perspiration;  and  if  the  fatigue  of  closing  my 
business  and  getting  away  is  not  too  much  for  me,  I  think 
I  shall  have  no  more  of  it. 

You  would  laugh  to  see  me  at  this  moment.  I  was  put 
in  a  warm  bath  three  hours  ago,  and  so  much  has  the  juice 
run  from  every  part  of  my  body,  that  I  have  been  obliged 
to  shift  myself  twice  since.     I  feel  now  much  relieved;  so 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         171 

much  so  that  I  am  going  to  wait  on  the  General — if  he  can 
be  spoken  with — for  he  too  has  the  fever. 

Be  not  alarmed  for  me,  my  dear  Nancy,  I  shall  soon  be 
better  when  I  can  get  to  Sea.  For  your  sake  and  that  of 
our  dear  Babes  I  shall  take  every  care  of  myself.  Sweet 
little  ones!  When  you  kiss  them,  tell  them  they  are  my 
"daily  visions  and  my  nightly  dreams.,,  My  best  love 
to  our  friends,  especially  to  all  under  our  roof.  To  your 
good  Father  and  Mamma,  to  Brother  Nat,  and  tell  him  I 
want  much  to  write  him,  but  have  no  spare  strength  at 
this  moment.  Bradford  I  don't  name  because  I  think  he 
must  be  gone  to  Sea.  But  to  his  wife  and  dear  little  boy 
say  how  d  'do  for  me.  May  heaven  ever  preserve  you  and 
our  dear  babes. 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Russell,  Bristol,  R- I- 

At  Sea,  off  Cape  Tiberoon, 

Augt.  16th,  1806. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

I  am  now  48  hours  from  the  City  of  St.  Domingo  and 

have  thus  far  had  a  charming  run.     I  left  letters  for  you 

and  others  on  board  the  Brig  Industry,  Capt.  Wheeler, 

to  sail  for  Boston  the  day  after  I  left  St.  Domingo;   but 

having  just  spoken  the  Schooner  Larater,  bound  from 

Curacoa  to  Baltimore,  I  intend  putting  this  on  board  her, 

as  it  is  possible  it  may  reach  you  before  the  Industry 

arrives.     It  gives  me  great  pleasure,  my  dear  Nancy,  to 

tell  you  that  my  health  is  much  better  than  when  I  wrote 

you  by  the  Industry.     When  we  sailed  I  was  scarcely  able 


172  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

to  walk  the  deck;  but  necessity  obliged  me  to  stir.  I  had 
that  day  a  slight  attack  of  fever  and  ague;  I  am  now  every 
hour  growing  stronger.  Mr.  Lincoln,  black  Isaac  and 
the  boy  are  still  on  their  legs;  for  the  rest  I  have  five 
Frenchmen — shipped  as  passengers — call  themselves 
sailors,  but  can  neither  steer  or  hand  a  sail — yet  are  willing 
to  work.  As  our  whole  passage  will  be  near  the  land — 
having  no  one  to  depend  on  but  myself  it  keeps  me  in 
continual  anxiety.  I  shall  touch  at  Baracoa  and  thence 
to  Havana,  where  I  hope  to  hear  from  you. 

Per  Caroline,  Capt.  Reed. 

Havana,  Oct.  3d,  1806. 
Dearest  and  best  of  Friends: 

The  Caroline  is  now  ready  for  Sea,  bound  to  New  York, 
and  your  "little  Friend"  must  still  remain  a  short  time 
behind.  I  hope  within  10  or  12  days  at  furthest  to  take 
my  passage.  Mr.  Reed,  who  goes  master  of  the  Caroline, 
will  see  you  when  he  arrives  in  Bristol.  He  carries  my 
chest  and  some  of  my  old  things.  As  to  the  rest  of  my 
clothes,  they  are  like  your  husband  almost  worn  out. 
Mr.  Reed  has  promised  immediately  to  see  you.  He  will 
be  able  to  answer  all  your  enquiries.  He  has  been  long 
sick,  but  is  now  well.  He  is  faithful  and  clever  and  on 
many  accounts  ranks  high  in  my  esteem. 

Don't,  my  dear,  let  my  sweet  prattlers  forget  me.  Be 
cautious,  my  love,  and  watch  every  bent  of  their  Minds; 
losing  no  possible  opportunity  to  impress  them  with  such 
principles  as  will  stand  the  test  of  their  future  progress 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         173 

through  life.  But  these  cautions,  my  dear  Nancy  are  un- 
necessary. Your  own  good  Sense,  your  own  warm  Heart 
will  be  the  best  guide. 

via.  Boston. 

Havana,  Octr.  4th,  1806. 
My  Dear  Nancy: 

The  Caroline  sailed  from  hence  yesterday,  bound  to 
New  York,  and  I  assure  you  it  gave  me  many  uneasy 
Sensations  to  see  her  depart  without  me,  but  it  has  been 
impossible  for  me  as  yet  to  close  my  business  here.  I  had 
the  offer  of  a  room  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Green,  an  American 
friend,  but  have  preferred  taking  up  my  abode  at  present 
in  the  cabin  of  the  Brig,  German  Peggy,  Capt.  Davis,  of 
Newport.  Capt.  D.  has  this  day  begun  to  load  with  sugars 
for  New  York,  and  expects  to  sail  in  10  days.  If  possible, 
I  shall  take  my  passage  with  him,  and  a  happy  day  it  will 
be  to  me,  when  I  can  once  more  shape  my  course  for  my 
dear  home.  I  hope  I  may  hold  out  to  the  end,  and  again 
be  blessed  with  the  Society  of  all  I  hold  dear  on  Earth. 
Capt.  Reed  will  call  on  you  when  the  Caroline  arrives  in 
Bristol,  and  will  answer  the  many  enquiries  which  I  sup- 
pose your  solicitude  will  induce  you  to  make.  Mr.  Isaac 
Gardner  will  also  call  to  see  you,  and  though  a  black  man 
— he  has  been  almost  my  only  stand  by,  when  sickness 
and  troubles  surrounded  me.  You  will  have  Jacob  with 
you,  and  I  expect,  will  find  the  little  fellow  almost  naked ; 
but  this  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  for  I  am  almost  in  the 
same  situation  myself.     You  will,  I  suppose,  think  it  best 


174  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

for  him  to  go  immediately  to  School.  The  School  reminds 
me  at  once  of  our  little  darlings.  I  hope  you  found  some 
place  for  Betsey  to  go  to,  as  I  think  it  would  have  been  a 
relief  to  you,  and  an  advantage  to  her.  Tell  her  I  have 
retained  her  present  till  I  bring  it  myself — but  whether  she 
will  be  entitled  to  it  or  not,  will  depend  on  the  account 
which  her  Mother  gives  me.  Little  Parnell  is  too  young 
to  think  of  Presents — but  not  too  young  to  receive  her  full 
share  of  my  warmest  affection. 

The  lateness  of  the  season  will  I  suppose,  my  dearest 
Friend,  induce  you  to  think  of  some  preparations  for  win- 
ter, which  I  had  hoped  to  be  home  in  time  to  attend  to 
myself — especially  the  article  of  wood  &c.  I  hope  you 
will  have  the  means  of  doing  so — though  I  am  not  without 
my  fears  that  my  long  absence  may  occasion  you  some 
Embarrassment.  I  often  turn  my  attention  to  your  gar- 
den, and  flatter  myself  that  you  have  sometimes  viewed 
with  pleasure  the  plants  growing  from  seeds  planted  by 
my  hand.  I  hope  with  you,  my  love,  still  to  enjoy  some 
of  the  produce — by  our  own  dear  fireside. 

Havana,  October  21st,  1806. 
Dearest  and  Best  of  Friends: 

By  my  other  letter  of  this  date  you  will  find  that  I  am 
detained  here  much  longer  than  I  expected.  Your  own 
Heart,  my  love,  will  best  teach  you  the  Regret  which  this 
causes  me,  but  I  flatter  myself  that  but  few  days  more  will 
elapse  before  I  shall  again  shape  my  course  towards  my 
dear  native  Land,  and  to  the  Friends  I  hold  so  dear.     My 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         175 

other  letter  will  give  you  some  faint  idea  of  the  perplexities 
and  anxiety  which  my  business  has  caused  me.  You 
may,  if  you  think  proper,  shew  it  to  my  employers, 
though  perhaps  they,  like  the  rest,  have  forgotten  while 
tending  their  gardens  and  eating  their  fresh  fish,  that  all 
their  Insurance  stock  lies  at  the  mercy  of  a  set  of  Pirates.* 
My  time  here  has  passed  unpleasant  enough.  It  still 
continues  very  sickly — and  scarce  a  day  passes,  without 
my  being  called  to  assist  in  the  last  offices  to  some  poor 
American.  My  mornings  are  usually  spent  with  my 
lawyer,  Doct.  Ayala.  Ask  friend  Allen,  if  he  is  with  you, 
and  he  will  describe  the  Animal  to  you.  A  man  of  great 
talents,  but — .  I  ought  before  to  have  informed  you  that  I 
have  had  much  satisfaction  in  the  company  and  friendship 
of  a  Mr.  Howell,  who  came  from  Baracoa  in  the  Caroline 
with  me.  He  had  been  in  Baracoa  ten  months  on  the 
same  kind  of  business  which  brought  me  out — being  agent 
for  a  respectable  mercantile  house  in  St.  Bartholomews, 
where  he  belongs.  He  has  purchased  half  a  new  Coffee 
Estate  in  the  neighborhood  of  Baracoa,  and  is  going  to 
reside  there.  He  will  accompany  me  to  America  and  to 
Bristol.  He  is  sensible — well  informed — well  acquainted 
with  the  French  and  Spanish  languages — easy  in  his  man- 
ners— modest  in  his  deportment — and  as  far  as  I  can 
judge,  firmly  rooted  in  virtuous  principles.  You  will  easily 
believe  that  such  a  friend  is  a  great  acquisition  to  me,  in- 
deed. I  feel  very  much  attached  to  him,  and  hope  shortly 
to  have  you  share  in  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance. 
*  French  and  British  privateers. 


176  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Havana,  Oct.  29th,  1806. 
You  will  be  quite  tired,  my  Friend,  with  this  being  con- 
tinually teazed  with  my  letters.  Bear  with  me,  my  love,  a 
little  longer.  I  hope  to  leave  this  place  before  Christmas, 
and  in  the  mean  time  you  are  the  only  one  that  shall  be 
teazed  with  my  importunity.  Two  days  ago  I  had  the  satis- 
faction of  meeting  Capt.  Cornell.  You  know  I  have  form- 
erly enjoyed  much  satisfaction  in  his  society  at  this  place, 
but  that  satisfaction  would  have  been  much  heightened 
at  this  time  if  he  had  been  the  bearer  of  a  line  from  you, 
or  from  any  of  those  who  once  professed  themselves  my 
friends.  But  that  is  a  blessing,  it  seems,  too  great  for  me 
to  expect.  I  try  to  bear  these  unaccountable  disappoint- 
ments without  murmuring — but  to  bear  without  feeling 
is  impossible.  I  think  my  Dear,  that  I  have  learned  some 
lessons  during  this  Voyage  which  will  be  of  much  service 
to  me  in  my  future  progress  through  Life.  I  dare  say  you 
will  recollect  that  when  some  of  those  whom  I  esteemed  as 
near  Friends,  have  been  absent,  how  extremely  solicitous 
I  have  always  been  to  let  their  families  know  of  every 
possible  chance  to  forward  letters,  as  well  as  writing  my- 
self— and  I  know  too  the  full  force  of  the  obligations  I  am 
under  to  these  same  families  and  near  Friends,  (Heaven 
forgive  me  for  prostituting  the  name  of  Friend)  who  have 
been  sauntering  at  home  and  picking  their  teeth  in  peace. 
They  have  taught  me  at  least  this  one  lesson  that — when- 
ever and  wherever  my  friends  are  absent,  and  it  happens 
to  be  my  good  fortune  to  remain  at  home,  I  will  quietly 
smoke  my  segar  and  let  those  who  are  absent,  and  their 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         177 

families,  do  as  I  have  done — go  to  the  Moon  for  intelli- 
gence. 

Mr.  Howell,  the  friend  whom  I  have  before  mentioned 
to  you,  and  myself,  are  keeping  Bachelor's  Hall  together. 
We  live  very  snug  and  quite  retired.  He  will  accompany 
me  to  America,  and  I  hope  my  love,  to  find  you  and  our 
dear  family  in  a  situation  to  make  a  short  stay  with  us 
agreeable  to  him.  If  my  business  here  was  not  protracted 
to  such  an  unaccountable  length  as  at  times  quite  to 
exhaust  my  patience,  I  might  find  some  Enjoyment. 
Necessity  has  compelled  me  to  pay  close  attention  to  the 
Spanish  language,  in  which  I  begin  to  express  myself 
with  some  fluency. 


178  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

XII 

A   SEA  LOG   OF  A  CENTURY   AGO 

The  following  pages  are  from  the  log  of  a  West  India 
voyage.  This  log  is  the  routine  record  of  the  vessel's 
progress  day  by  day,  her  official  diary,  and  differs  from  the 
journals  previously  quoted  which  were  written  wholly  at 
the  option  of  the  captain.  They  were  his  private  and 
personal  records  of  events.  The  log,  however,  he  was 
expected  to  post  daily  as  one  of  the  master's  duties. 

Even  this  book  of  routine  record  so  vividly  reflects  the 
personality  of  its  author  that  he  has  made  it  a  document 
almost  unique  of  its  kind.  While  a  number  of  pages  of 
wholly  technical  ship's  business  have  been  omitted  in 
editing  the  log,  some  of  this  matter  has  been  retained  in 
order  to  inform  the  landsman  how  a  log  is  kept  at  sea. 
The  entries  begin  with  leaving  port: 

Saturday,  Deer.  2Mh,  1808.  At  half  past  %  p.  m.  made 
sail  and  ran  down  the  river.  Fresh  breeze  at  No,  and  N. 
by  E.  plenty  of  rain.  Past  the  lighthouse  at  5  p.  m.  At 
8  p.  M.  suppos'd  ourselves  past  Block  Island,  weather 
very  thick  and  wind  increasing.  Reef 'd  foresail  and  main- 
sail, at  12  took  in  topsail  and  foresail,  and  bonnet  of  jib. 

Sunday,  25th.  Continues  fresh  breeze  at  N.N.E.  No 
observations  to  be  depended  on.  Lat.  by  acct.  39°  19'  N. 
Long,  by  Do.  70°  25'  W. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         179 

Monday,  Deer.  26th.  Lat.  by  D.R.  37°  36'  Long. 
69°  20'.  Steer'd  same  course  as  before. — weather  dull  and 
gloomy. — some  rain — later  part  light  wind,  towards  meri- 
dian almost  calm  and  bad  irregular  sea.     No  observation. 

Tuesday,  nth.  Lat.  by  D.R.  35°  34'  Long.  68°  16'. 
Begins  calm,  at  ^  4  p.  m.  light  breeze  at  S.S.W.  which 
soon  freshened  and  hauled  to  the  westward,  and  nortwd. 
— at  7  p.  m.  shortened  sail — blowing  a  furious  gale  and 
heavy  sea  the  remainder  of  the  24  hours. 

Wednesday,  28th.  Lat.  by  obsv.  34°— 02'  Long. 
67°  4'.  First  part  fresh  breeze  at  N.E.  At  8  p.  m.  set 
topsail, — out  reefs — later  part  almost  calm,  had  an  ob- 
servation for  the  first  time  on  this  passage.  At  1  p.  m. 
passed  a  Brig  showing  English  colours,  she  steering 
N.N.E. 

Thursday,  Deer.  29th.  Lat.  by  observ.  33 — 21'  Long. 
67 — 4'.  First  part  nearly  calm,  the  light  winds  baffling 
between  S.E.  and  So. — tack'd  ship  several  times,  steering 
sometimes  S.W.  b.  W.  and  then  E.b.N. 

Friday,  Deer.  30th.  Lat.  by  D.R.  33—18'  Long. 
66—53'.  Strong  breeze  from  the  S.S.E.  steered  E.  &  E. 
b.N. — at  6  p.  m.  jibed  ship — reefed  foretopsail,  mainsail 
and  foresail,  steered  S.W.b.W. — gale  increasing — very 
heavy  sea.  At  4  a.  m.  again  tack'd,  handed  topsail  and 
left  no  sail  standing,  mainsail  and  head  of  the  jib — head 
S.E.b.E.     hard  gale  and  heavy  sea. 

Saturday,  Deer.  Slst.  Lat.  by  observ.  31 — 41'.  Long, 
corrected  64 — 555'.  At  4  p.  m.  the  gale  abated,  at  6  made 
more   sail — steered   S.S.E.   having   then   only   8   fathom 


180  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

water,  tacked  and  steered  No.  close  hauled  shoaled  the 
water  to  4  fathom — tacked  again,  and  after  rubbing  the 
rocks  three  or  four  times  without  stopping  our  way  got 
clear  into  deep  water,  steered  S.W.  till  4  a.  m.  when  S.  till 
8— then  S.E. 

Sunday,  Janry.  1st,  1809.  Lat.  by  obs.  29 — 36'  N. 
Long.  62 — 42'  W.  With  a  fine  pleasant  breeze  to  the 
northward  and  eastwd.  we  steered  S.E.  the  whole  24  hours. 

This  ushers  in  the  beginning  of  a  new  year,  the  old  One 
is  forever  past.  Its  moments  "  are  with  the  years  beyond 
the  flood. "  I  have  set  down  to  review  my  conduct  through 
the  past  year.  I  find  many  errors  and  frailties  to  deplore, 
many  weaknesses  to  make  me  feel  humble — Many — 
very  many  mercies  and  favours  to  make  me  feel  truly 
thankful. 

I  have  prayed  to  God  to  forgive  my  Errors — to  pardon 
My  sins — to  strengthen  and  confirm  my  good  resolutions 
for  the  Future,  that  with  the  New  Year  I  may  begin  a 
new  Life,  a  life  of  Obedience  to  his  Laws  and  the  precepts 
of  his  holy  Gospel.  I  have  craved  his  blessing  on  my  dear 
Family,  on  my  much  lov'd  Wife  and  Children.  Where 
are  you  now  my  best  and  dearest  friend — It  is  only  eight 
days  since  I  parted  with  you,  can  you  realize  that  we  are 
now  almost  one  thousand  miles  apart — I  left  you  my  love, 
pale  and  almost  sick — but  cheering  Hope  whispers  me 
that  you  are  better,  and  that  on  this  sacred  Day  you  will 
be  with  those  who  give  thanks  to  God  in  his  holy  Temple, 
that  your  prayers  will  ascend  from  that  place  where  we 
have  often  joined  heart  and  hand  in  our  devotions. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         181 

To  Him  who  ruleth  all  aright,  I  commit  you  and  our 
dear  little  ones.  May  he  guide  us  in  safety  through  time 
and  at  last  receive  us  to  himself  in  glory — Amen 

Monday,  Jan.  2nd.  Lat.  27— 57'.  Long,  61-^.8',  W. 
Continues  a  very  pleasant  breeze  from  the  Eastwd.  Steered 
at  first  S.E.b.S.  but  towards  meridian  headed  us  off  to 
S. —  passed  a  ship  at  3  p.  m.  standing  to  the  northwd,  and 
westwd. 

Tuesday,  3d.     Lat.  26 — W    Long.  41— 46'. 

Sunday,  8th.  Lat.  19—2'  Long.  60—37'.  Begins 
calm.  At  3  p.  m.  a  light  breeze  at  N.W.  which  gradually 
hauled  to  N.  and  then  to  N.E.  We  steered  S.  the  whole 
24  hours — frequent  squalls  of  rain.  Again  I  am  spending 
the  Sabbath's  peaceful  day  on  the  wide  ocean;  at  a  dis- 
tance from  those  I  love.  At  a  great  distance  from  where 
any  Temple  is  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  the  Most  High. 
But,  is  not  the  whole  Universe  His  temple?  And  will  not 
the  humble  prayer  of  the  contrite  heart  be  heard  from  a 
little  bark  in  the  midst  of  the  Sea?  "Thy  way  O  God  is 
in  the  sea,  and  Thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  Thy  foot- 
steps are  not  known."  Yet  with  him  who  has  clean  hands 
and  a  contrite  heart  Thou  wilt  delight  to  dwell.  Hear 
us  then,  O !  God  of  our  Salvation,  cause  Thy  face  to  shine 
upon  us,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

My  dearest  Nancy — may  I  hope  that  the  colour  is 
restored  to  your  pale  cheek — that  returning  health  has 
again  smiled  upon,  so  that  you  may  be  able  on  this  sacred 
Day  to  attend  the  solemn  services  of  our  holy  Religion. 
Your  husband  I  trust,  will  not  be  forgotten  in  your  Devo- 


182  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

tion.  I  am  sure  you  cannot  be  in  mine.  How  would  the 
pangs  of  Absence  be  softened,  if  I  could  be  assured  of  the 
safety  of  you  and  our  dear  little  ones.  Sweet  smiling 
babes — my  affectionate  Bess,  my  pleasant  prattling 
Parnell,  and  my  lovely  little  Nancy.  May  God  bless  you 
all,  preserve  you  in  health,  guide  your  feet  in  the  way  of 
Truth,  and  at  last  receive  you  to  Glory. 

Monday,  Jan.  9th.  With  a  pleasant  breeze  we  steered 
S.b.W.  till  8  p.  m.  when  judging  that  we  drew  near  the 
land — hove  too  till  4  a.  m.  then  made  sail  and  steered 
S.b.W.  at  6  a.  m.  saw  land,  which  proved  to  be  St.  Martin's 
and  St.  Bartholomews'.  Ran  round  the  south  of  the  lat- 
ter and  at  11  a.  m.  took  a  pilot  on  board.  In  beating  in — 
being  very  squally — a  sudden  flaw  carried  away  our  fore- 
topsail  just  above  the  cap — cleared  the  wreck,  and  at  1 
p.  m.  anchor'd  in  the  road. 

Tuesday,  10th.  The  master  reported  and  entered  at 
the  Custom  House.  The  government  suffers  no  provi- 
sions to  be  exported,  all  must  be  sold  here.  For  several 
days  doing  little — protest  noted — survey  appointed  by  the 
government  to  examine  the  state  of  the  vessel,  &c. 

Sunday,  15th.  I  am  still  idle  in  this  barren  and  dismal 
place — dismal  and  cheerless  by  Nature — more  so  by  Man- 
ners and  Habit — How  differently  would  this  sacred  Day 
have  been  spent  had  I  continued  at  my  much  lov'd  home. 
I  should,  with  a  delighted  and  gladdened  heart,  had  my 
little  Ones  around  me  at  my  Fireside,  to  read  and  to  receive 
instruction  in  the  first  rudiments  of  our  holy  Religion. 
While  listening  to  their  improvement,  I  might  perhaps  see 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         183 

the  tear  of  joy  glistening  in  the  eyes  of  the  best  and  fondest 
of  Mothers. 

Tuesday,  January  Slst.  Having  three  days  been  ready 
to  go  to  windwd.  but  detained  by  the  bad  weather — I  this 
day  sailed  at  2  p.  m.  in  a  small  British  Sloop,  bound  to 
Dominico.  The  next  morning  by  daylight  were  off 
Basse  Terre,  S.  Kitts.  At  8  a.  m.  Mr.  Nisbet,  a  fellow 
passenger  went  ashore,  while  the  Sloop  stood  off  and  on. 
At  12  he  came  on  board — we  immediately  made  sail. 
Heavy  sea  and  disagreeable  weather.  Off  Basse  Terre 
Gaudalope  were  chased  four  hours  by  a  privateer  schooner 
— during  which  time  we  steered  N.N.W.  and  out  sailed 
the  Pirate.     This  chase  has  put  us  back  one  day  at  least. 

At  length,  after  a  wet  and  very  disagreeable  passage, 
we  anchor'd  in  the  road  of  Roseau,  Dominique  at  7  a.  m. 
Saturday,  Feb.  4th,  1809. 

Monday,  Feb.  6th.  Finding  that  the  business  which 
led  me  here  would  not  be  attended  to  till  the  15th  inst.  I 
concluded,  in  the  interim,  to  proceed  to  Antigua.  Took 
passage  in  the  British  Sloop  Charming  Ann,  Capt.  Wilson, 
and  sailed  from  Roseau  at  7  p.  m.  A  dull  time  over — 
without  any  accident  anchor'd  in  St.  John's,  Antigua,  on 
Wednesday,  Feb.  8th,  at  6  p.  m. 

Thursday,  9th.  Once  more,  my  dear  Ann,  I  am  among 
my  old  acquaintances.  I  landed  at  a  late  hour  last 
evening  and  walked  up  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Rose,  the 
American  agent.  By  him  and  Mrs.  Rose  I  was  received 
with  politeness.  This  day  I  took  my  lodgings  at  a  tavern 
on  shore,  and  have  spent  the  day  without  effect,  in  trying 


184  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

to  close  the  business  that  brought  me  here.  This  evening, 
tired  and  disgusted,  I  walked  to  Mr.  Rose's — he  was 
absent.  With  Mrs.  and  Miss  Rose  I  chatted  a  half  hour, 
and  retired,  solitary  to  my  lodgings.  What  would  I  give 
could  I  spend  the  rest  of  the  evening  by  my  own  dear  fire- 
side! 

Saturday,  Feb.  11th.  At  2  p.  m.  parted  with  my  friends 
here  and  went  on  board  a  schooner  bound  to  Dominico; 
and  after  a  very  disagreeable  passage — owing  to  high 
winds  and  calms — I  again  landed  at  Roseau  in  Dominica 
on  Monday. 


Monday,  April  %4>th.  St.  Bart.  After  a  long  and 
anxious  detention  here,*  I  this  day  sailed  at  3  p.  m.  in  the 
Swedish  Brig  Charlotta  Capt.  Duncken,  bound  to  St. 
Domingo,  expecting  to  be  followed  in  a  day  or  two  by 
the  Brig  Adolphus,  belonging  to  the  same  concern. 

Wednesday,  26th.  Brig.  Charlotta  At  Sea,  Lat.  by 
observ.  17 — 26'  N.  With  a  pleasant  breeze  continued 
our  course  to  the  Westwd.  the  whole  24  hours.  At  10  a.  m. 
were  abreast  of  some  high  land  bearing  north  just  dis- 
cernible in  the  smoke  of  the  Horizon,  which  we  take  to 
be  the  western  part  of  Porto  Rico. 

Friday,   April   28th.     Lat.    17—26'   N.     At   8   p.    m. 

shortened  sail.     At  12  tacked  and  stood  off  and  on,  under 

our  topsails.     At  daylight  squally  and  very  thick,  with 

heavy  rain.     Saw  no  land  and  at  6  again  stood  off.     At 

*  A  detention  of  more  than  two  months. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         185 

8  a.  m.  discovered  the  land,  which  proved  to  be  Beala 
Island,  and  at  10  saw  Altevela — passed  without  it  and  at 
Meridian  it  bore  W.b.N.  distant  three  leagues.  When 
passing  Altevela  saw  a  sail  a  great  distance  astern — 
proved  to  be  a  schooner.  We  crowded  all  sail,  but  at 
6  p.  m.  she  came  up  with  us  and  brought  us  too.  She 
proved  to  be  a  French  Schooner  from  the  City  of  St. 
Domingo — called  the  Beau  Narcisse,  Louis  Ouray,  Mas- 
ter, mounting  eight  guns,  and  having  about  70  men.  Took 
possession   of    us  and  attempted  to  beat  up  to  the  city. 

Saturday -,  %9th.  Chased  a  large  English  merchant  ship, 
and  engaged  her  some  time — attempting  to  board  her — 
carried  away  the  Schooner's  bowsprit.  Then  sheered 
off — and  after  repairing  continued  to  beat  up,  and  on  Mon- 
day May  1st  anchor 'd  under  Beata  Island,  where  we 
found  the  brig.  At  3  p.  m.  the  privateer  got  under  way 
and  chased  a  schooner,  then  in  sight — brought  her  too — 
and  anchor'd  near  the  Brig.  The  Schooner  now  com- 
menced unloading  our  Brig,  and  taking  on  board  as  much 
as  they  could  carry. 

Tuesday,  May  %nd.  The  other  Schooner  having  taken 
part  of  our  Cargo,  they  both  left  us  and  got  under  way  at 
3  p.  m.  taking  Capt.  Duncken, — the  Mate  and  Crew. 

Wednesday,  May  3rd,  1809.  A  Prisoner  at  Beata  Island. 
In  the  afternoon  we  were  alarmed  at  the  sight  of  an  armed 
Schooner  running  down.  Mr.  Dupont,  our  Prize  Master, 
immediately  prepared  to  go  on  shore.  The  Schooner 
tack'd  and  stood  off,  but  after  dark  she  came  and  anchor'd 
near  us  proved  to  be  La  Superieure,  Capt.  Forrest,  from  St. 


186  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Domingo.  I  learn  from  him  that  he  has  captured  the 
Brig  Adolphus,  Capt.  Englehart — but  he  has  ransomed 
him  and  he  proceeds  to  Jacquemel.  The  privateer  soon 
left  us  and  at  10  p.  m.  we  got  under  way,  and  continued 
beating  up  between  Beata  Island  and  St.  Domingo  all  night. 

Thursday,  4th.  Anchor'd  at  sunrise  under  Beata  Is- 
land, about  4  leagues  to  windwrd.  of  our  former  berth. 
At  9  a.  M.  a  Brig  appeared  in  sight  to  Windwd.  which 
alarmed  our  Prize  Master  so  much  that  he  and  his  Crew 
hustled  all  their  things — with  some  provisions — all  our 
small  arms,  powder,  &c.  into  the  boat  and  on  shore.  At 
length  the  cause  of  the  fright  disappeared  by  stretching 
on  to  Windwd.  probably  not  having  seen  us.  Our  topsail 
yards  were  now  sent  down,  the  topmasts  struck  and  an- 
other anchor  let  go,   &c. 

Friday,  5th.  Another  day — gloomy  and  tedious — has 
passed  over.  This  completes  a  week  since  my  unfortunate 
capture;  since  my  air  castles  were  demolished  by  the  stroke 
of  the  Enchanter.  Why  was  I  not  content  with  small 
earnings?  Why  did  I  not  return  with  my  little  to  the 
bosom  of  my  lov'd  Family?  Alas — have  I  not  by  aiming 
at  too  much  let  slip  what  was  safe  and  certain.  But  I 
thought  I  was  doing  right.  The  prospect  was  good  and  I 
eagerly  embraced  any  laudable  plan  that  promised  to 
secure  competence  to  my  loved  Wife  and  Children.  Dis- 
appointment has  blasted  my  expectations.  My  fond 
hopes  are  withered  and  destroyed.  Yet — O!  Father  of 
Mercies  Thy  dispensations  are  just.  Thou  seest  not  as 
man  seeth.     Teach  me  to  bow  submissive  to  Thy  holy 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         187 

Will,  teach  me  to  check  all  murmuring  and  repining 
thoughts  and  to  say  with  heartfelt  sincerity  "  It  is  the  Lord, 
let  Him  do  what  seemeth  Him  good." 

Saturday,  May  6th,  1809.  Brig  Charlotta  at  anchor 
under  Beata  Island.  At  noon,  we  discovered  over  the 
land,  a  Brig  at  anchor,  where  the  Charlotta  first  lay. 
Mr.  Dupont,  the  Prize  Master,  immediately  loaded  the 
boat  with  stores,  sails,  clothes,  &c,  and  going  to  shore  in 
her,  himself,  he  went  down  by  land  to  discover  what  the 
Brig  was.  In  his  absence  we  saw  a  schooner  coming 
down  from  Windwd.  and  soon  after  a  large  ship,  and 
then  a  smaller  one,  both  beating  up  from  leeward,  and 
before  night  they  came  to  an  anchor,  near  the  first  men- 
tioned Brig. 

At  5  p.  m.  Mr.  Dupont  returned,  and  when  dark  he 
went  on  shore  with  the  remainder  of  his  people,  and  the 
two  men  belonging  to  the  Charlotta,  leaving  me  only  with 
the  boy  Jacob.  Between  10  and  11  we  were  boarded  by 
3  boats,  from  the  above  named  (British)  vessels,  the 
largest  of  which  is  the  Polyphemus  of  64  guns,  Capt. 
Cumby,  last  from  Jamaica.  They  took  possession  of  the 
Brig — got  her  topmasts  up,  bent  some  sails,  &c.  and, 
Sunday  the  7th  at  sunrise  weighed  the  anchor  and  made 
sail.  At  8  a.  m.  anchor'd  near  the  Polyphemus  and  in  our 
old  berth.  Thus — to  my  great  joy — am  I  at  last  relieved. 
But,  it  would  be  injustice  not  to  remember  that  M.  Ouray, 
the  Commander  of  the  Privateer,  and  Mr.  Dupont,  the 
Prize  master,  have  uniformly  behaved  to  me  like  gentle- 
men— everything  of  my  private  property  has  been  respected, 


188  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

and  everything  that  was  in  their  power,  has  been  done  for 
my  personal  accommodation.  Every  exertion  was  made 
to  get  the  Charlotta  ready  for  Sea — she  having  been  well 
stripped  by  the  Frenchmen.  I  dined  aboard  the  Poly- 
phemus, and  having,  in  vain,  attempted  to  persuade  Capt. 
Cumby  to  send  us  to  Jacquemel,  at  4  p.  m.  I  went  on 
board  the  Charlotta  and  sailed  for  Jamaica,  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Morell,  a  Master's  Mate. 

Tuesday,  May  9th.  Brig  Charlotta,  at  sea,  steering  for 
Jamaica.  At  daybreak  saw  Capt.  Tiberoon.  Con- 
tinued our  course  to  the  westward,  and  hope  to-mor- 
row to  see  Jamaica.  But  when  shall  I  see  my  native 
land?  Great  Parent  of  Mercies!  it  is  thy  Property  to 
bring  good  out  of  evil;  it  is  thine  to  remember  mercy 
in  the  midst  of  Judgments.  May  Thy  fatherly  corrections 
be  the  means  of  drawing  me  nearer  to  Thee,  of  detaching 
my  thoughts  and  affections  from  this  vain  and  empty 
World,  and  placing  them  on  things  heavenly  and  divine, 
and — "  Though  no  chastening  for  the  present  be  joyous 
but  grievous,  yet,  afterwards,  may  it  in  me  bring  forth  the 
peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness  and  joy" — Amen ! — 

Wednesday,  10th.  At  10  a.  m.  saw  the  N.E.  end  of 
Jamaica.  Steered  W.S.W.  with  a  very  light  breeze.  At 
sunset  were  abreast  of  Point  Morant.  Steer'd  for  Yallah's 
Point — light  wind  all  night. 

Thursday,  11th.  At  sunrise  were  just  below  Yallah's 
Point — at  7  a.  m.  took  a  pilot  on  board.  The  wind  very 
light  and  not  being  able  to  get  up  to  Kingston — at  1  p.  m. 
we  anchor'd  at  Port  Royal. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         189 

Friday ',  12th.  At  nine  a.  m.  got  under  way  and  at  1  p.  m. 
anchor'd  in  Kingston  harbour.  I  went  on  shore  immedi- 
ately, with  Mr.  Morell  to  the  agents,  Atkinson,  Boyle  & 
Co.  Mr.  E.  H.  Adams,  the  acting  partner,  received  us, 
and  with  all  the  hauteur  pertaining  to  a  purse-proud 
Briton,  he  ordered  me  to  bring  all  my  papers,  of  every 
description  on  shore  to  be  inspected  by  him  and  then  to 
be  lodged  in  the  files  of  the  Admiralty  Court.  As  the 
Capt.  of  the  Charlotta  had  given  up  all  the  ship's  papers 
to  the  French  captors,  and  I  had  already  handed  to  the 
Captain  of  the  Polyphemus,  my  Charter  party  and  Invoice 
— which  was  all  that  related  to  the  vessel — I  peremptorily 
refused  to  give  up  my  private  papers — unless  forced  from 
me — and  being  informed  that  I  had  friends  here  I  was 
told  that  I  must  not  see  them  till  I  had  been  exam- 
ined. I  disregarded  the  injunction  and  called  on  Henry 
West  &  Co. 

Kingston,  Jamaica,  Saturday,  May  13th,  1809. 

This  morning  I  attended  at  the  Surrogate's  Office,  and 
went  through  the  usual  examination  by  making  answers, 
under  oath,  to  the  customary  Interrogations,  &c.  Messrs. 
Henry  West  &  Co.  have  undertaken  to  assist  me.  I  noted 
a  protest.  Mr.  Moull,  who  conducted  the  Brig  from 
Beata  here,  left  me  this  day,  being  appointed  a  Lieutenant 
since  our  arrival.  He  is  a  worthy  young  man  and  has 
behaved  like  a  gentleman  on  board  the  Brig. 

Sunday,  Iteh.  Our  Brig  still  laying  at  a  distance  from 
the  Wharf.     An  old  man — a  native  Greek — 74  years  old 


190  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

is  appointed  to  stay  on  board.  As  we  have  no  boat  I  have 
spent  the  whole  day  in  reading,  writing  &c.  I  have  no 
opportunity  to  attend  divine  Worship  in  Any  Temple 
dedicated  to  the  service  of  the  Most  High.  Eternal 
Source  of  all  Worship,  adoration  and  Praise!  the  whole 
Universe  is  Thy  Temple — yet  thou  hast  graciously  prom- 
ised to  dwell  with  those  who  have  clean  hands  and  a  con- 
trite heart.  Deign  then,  from  Heaven,  thy  holy  Throne 
to  hear  my  prayers — and  when  thou  hearest,  forgive. 
May  Thy  holy  Spirit  enlighten  my  mind  and  inhabit  my 
heart,  and  make  me  wholly  thine — Amen  and  Amen — 

Tuesday,  Wth.  I  was  agreeably  surprised  at  the  sight 
of  Mr.  Hale — the  late  Mate  of  the  Charlotta,  and  five  of 
the  Crew,  who  arrived  in  an  English  Brig.  Mr.  Hale 
informs  me  that  he  went  to  the  City  of  St.  Domingo,  in 
the  privateer,  where  she  discharg'd  and  immediately 
returned  to  Beta  for  the  rest  of  our  Cargo. 

Tuesday,  23rd.  Having  yesterday  heard  that  the 
Admiralty  Court  will  set  to-day,  I  exerted  myself  among 
the  lawyers  to  have  everything  ready  for  our  trial  which 
came  on  this  day.  Decree — one  eighth  Salvage  to  the  re- 
captors — the  residue  of  cargo  to  be  given  up  to  me —  the 
Brig  sold  and  proceeds  retained  till  a  power  of  Attorney 
is  received   from  the  owner,  or  given  up  to  me  on  bond. 

Sunday,  28th.  The  Schooner  Union,  Capt.  Paul,  via 
Havana,  has  remained  here  till  this  day.  To  the  care  of 
Mr.  O'Hara,  on  board  her,  I  gave  my  Letters.  I  had  pur- 
posed to  attend  divine  Service  to-day,  but  it  has  been 
squally  and  rainy  all  day,  and  I  have  spent  the  Sabbath 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         191 

on  board,  having  the  company  of  Capt.  Whittlesey,  of 
Saybrook,  an  old  man  from  the  land  of  "Steady  Habits." 

Friday,  June  2nd.  By  an  arrival  from  Philadelphia  we 
this  day  received  the  interesting  news  that  the  trade  to  all 
British  ports  will  be  renewed  after  the  10th  inst.* 

Sunday,  June  4>th.  This  forenoon  I  attended  Divine 
Service  at  Church  and  heard  a  very  good  discourse  from 
these  words  of  the  apostle,  "Let  him  that  thinketh  he 
standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall."  It  is  now  a  long  time 
since  I  have  joined  in  the  Divine  services  of  Devotion. 
How  often,  to-day,  has  my  memory  pointed  back  to  the 
happy  times  when  with  my  dear  lov'd  family  I  went  to  the 
house  of  God,  to  hear  the  Word  of  Life. 

Sunday,  June  11th.  Yesterday  I  finished  all  my  busi- 
ness in  Kingston,  and  to  my  great  joy  having  the  Char- 
lotta  ready  for  Sea,  in  ballast.  Capt.  Hale,  to  whom  I  had 
given  the  command,  cleared  at  the  Custom  House,  and  at 
5  p.  m.  we  got  under  way  and  anchor 'd  last  evening  at  Port 
Royal. 

I  had  accepted  an  invitation  to  ride  into  the  country 
and  spend  the  day  in  company  with  Mr.  Hayes,  and 
his  amiable  wife,  but  the  morning  proved  rainy  and  I 
amused  myself  with  reading  St.  Pierre's  interesting 
work  "Studies  of  Nature."  While  thus  engaged  about 
twelve  o'clock,  a  servant  cried  out,  "Little  Jim  has 
hung  himself."  Jim  was  a  fine  black  boy,  not  twelve 
years  old,  active  and  faithful — beloved  by  his  Master  and 
*  The  lifting  of  the  embargo  ordered  by  President  Jefferson. 


192  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Mistress,  and  the  favourite  of  all  who  frequented  the 
house. 

On  hearing  the  cry  I  ran  eagerly  to  the  yard  and  ascend- 
ing to  the  room  pointed  out — found  the  door  fastened 
which  we  instantly  burst  open,  and  to  our  horror  and 
surprise  found  the  poor  lad,  hanging  by  the  neck.  We 
instantly  cut  him  down,  but  alas !  too  late,  the  fatal  Deed 
was  consummated  and  Life  had  forever  flown.  Dreadful 
and  heartrending  was  the  scene,  his  poor  mistress  scream- 
ing and  crying,  joined  by  her  little  daughter.  The  crowd 
that  flocking  round  us — the  Coroner's  inquest,  of  which 
I  was  one — as  well  as  a  witness — the,  whole  together — 
has  truly  been  a  shocking  scene.  From  such — and  from 
all  evil — Good  Lord  deliver  us. 

6  *  ♦  $  $ 

Once  more,  weary  and  fatigued,  I  am  spending  the  Sab- 
bath's peaceful  day  at  sea,  far  from  those  I  love,  far  from 
all  the  endearing  intercourses  of  Civil,  Social  and  domestic 
life;  far  from  the  means  of  joining  in  the  solemn  assembly 
of  the  Saints.  Though  deprived  of  these  endearing 
Privileges,  may  my  heart — Oh!  Eternal  Parent,  look  up 
to  Thee — as  to  the  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  Gift. 
May  I  feel  humble  and  penitent  for  my  Transgressions — 
truly  and  deeply  grateful  for  Thy  mercies — and  may  I 
be  enabled  with  heartfelt  Sincerity  to  commend  to  thy 
gracious  care  and  Protection  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to 
me.  Oh!  bless  my  family,  I  humbly  beseech  Thee,  with 
the  choicest  of  Thy  blessings.  Be  Thou  to  them  a  Hus- 
band and  a  Father — and  soon  may  I  again  be  restored  to 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         193 

them  and  to  my  wonted  happiness,  and  Thine  be  all  the 
glory !    Amen. 

Monday,  July  3rd.  In  the  Brig  Delight,  Capt.  Mosher 
arrived  this  day.  On  the  wings  of  friendship  I  flew  to 
meet  him.  And,  blessed  be  God,  I  learn  that  he  left  my 
lov'd  wife  and  my  darling  children  well.  But  he  has  told 
me  things  that  cut  me  to  the  soul.  Time,  however,  must 
develop  what  I  ought  to  do.  I  know  and  value  Mosher's 
friendship,  but  I  know  too  his  ardent  and  irritable  temper. 
As  for  myself — proud  in  conscious  integrity,  I  can  hurl 
defiance  on  the  wretch  who  meanly  dares  to  stab  my 
honest  character. 

Tuesday,  July  Uh.  On  the  Birth  of  my  Country's  In- 
dependence I  ought  to  rejoice — for  this  day  I  have 
sailed  in  the  Brig  Adeline,  Captain  Christian,  bound  to 
N.  York — huzza ! ! 

This  is  a  day  of  rejoicing  throughout  America,  and  it 
ought  surely  to  be  a  day  of  rejoicing  with  me,  my  face  is 
set  once  more  towards  my  native  country,  and  soon  I  hope 
to  rejoice  with  those  I  love. 

Sunday,  July  9th.  Lat.  by  obsr.  29 — 50'.  Adeline 
at  Sea.  Our  passage  has  hitherto  been  favourable  and 
pleasant,  and  we  now  think  our  prospect  good  for  reaching 
soon  our  desired  port.  Our  Captain  does  all  he  can  to 
make  us  comfortable,  but  my  thoughts  are  continually 
anticipating  the  moment  of  meeting  with  the  best  of  Wives 
and  our  loved  Children.  Is  it  possible  my  love,  that  those 
in  whom  you  place  the  highest  confidence  should  have 
wounded  your  peace  of  Mind,  by  meanly  and  assassin-like 


194  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

stabbing  the  reputation  of  your  absent  husband.  No,  I 
will  suspend  my  opinion  till  I  can  have  certainties.  But 
should  it  be  so — adieu  to  Friendship — adieu  to  Confidence 
— at  least  in  Bristol! 

Sunday,  July  16th.  Another  week  of  our  passage  has 
passed  away  pleasantly  enough,  but  the  winds  have  been 
very  light — or  we  should  have  been  in  port  before  this. 
We  are  now  to  the  Northwd.  of  Cape  May,  surrounded 
by  several  sail,  and  were  this  morning  boarded  by  a 
Delaware  pilot.  I  am  anxiously  looking  for  the  time  when 
I  shall  again  set  foot  on  my  native  shore,  and  once  more 
embrace  the  best  of  women  and  our  lov'd  children.  May 
we  soon  join  in  the  solemn  exercises  of  Devotion,  and 
may  our  united  orisons  ascend  like  grateful  incenses  to  the 
Throne  of  the  most  high. 

Monday,  17th.  The  morning  begins  rainy  and  thick. 
Wind  at  East — we  stood  in  under  all  sail  and  at  10  a.  m. 
saw  the  lighthouse  on  Sandy  Hook.  At  12  being  within 
a  mile  of  the  light  house  a  lazy  pilot  came  on  board,  and 
in  one  hour  brought  us  to  anchor  at  Quarantine  Ground. 
Blows  fresh  and  rains  violently  but  we  are  at  anchor,  safe, 
on  our  own  native  shore — God  be  thanked! 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         195 
XIII 

THE   SHIPMASTER'S   LAST  LOVE  LETTERS 

The  last  letters  written  to  Mrs.  Ann  Russell  by  her 
husband,  as  preserved  in  the  old  sea  chest,  were  sent 
from  sea  and  the  West  Indies  in  1809.  In  them  he  refers 
to  the  misfortune  of  his  capture  by  Frenchmen  and  to 
other  events  more  fully  described  in  the  log  which  com- 
prises the  preceding  chapter.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  he 
was  permitted  to  spend  a  good  part  of  the  next  year  ashore 
and  that  a  longed-for  visit  with  his  family  accounts  for 
the  dearth  of  letters  after  this  return  from  sea.  There 
were  three  girl  babies  in  the  Bristol  home  in  1809,  Betsy 
and  Parnell  and  Nancy,  the  eldest  six  years  old.  Their 
father  was  still  struggling  and  hoping  for  a  shift  in  the 
tide  of  fortune  that  had  set  so  strongly  against  him  year 
after  year.     These  last  letters  read  as  follows: 

To  Mrs.  Ann  Russell,  Bristol,  R.  I. 

Jant.  18th,  1809. 
The  best  thing  I  can  tell  you  my  Love,  is  that  I 
enjoy  excellent  health,  I  desire  to  be  thankful  to  the  Giver 
of  all  good  for  it,  and  constantly  and  earnestly  pray  that 
you  and  our  dear  little  Ones  may  through  His  Blessing 
be  preserved  and  protected.  I  have  had  some  perplexing 
scenes  to  go  through  here,  but  this  world  is  a  state  of 


196  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

perplexity  and  trial,  and  as  respects  myself — I  have  little 
reason  ever  to  expect  to  gather  the  rose  without  feeling 
the  thorn. 

I  think  the  Islands  were  never  fuller  of  Americans.  I 
have  been  here  but  eight  days,  and  have  had  two  letters 
from  Antigua,  which  is  also  full  of  Yankees.  I  expect  the 
first  American  port  I  shall  reach  will  be  Charleston.  I 
wish  you  to  write  me  there.  Good  Aunt  Becca,  you 
must  write  me  too,  and  if  I  make  a  fortune  this  voyage,  I 
will  on  my  return  escort  you  in  style  to  Barnstable. 
Which  of  the  children  shall  go  with  us?  You  must  settle 
that  among  yourselves,  after  kissing  them  all  for  me. 


St.  Bakths,  March  11th,  1809. 
My  Dearest  Friend: 

Capt.  Taylor  sailed  yesterday  for  New  York  in  the 
Swedish  Schooner  Jane.  I  wrote  you  a  hasty  line  yes- 
terday, and  though  now  at  leisure — what  can  I  add — Ah ! 
my  lov'd  Friend !  Could  I  say  all  that  my  feelings  dictate — 
could  I  unburthen  my  whole  Soul  to  you — could  I  explain 
what  I  suffer  when  a  temporary  suspension  from  the  per- 
plexities of  business  allows  me  a  little  time  for  Reflection 
— I  say — could  I  then  explain  how  much  I  need  the  kind 
and  faithful  friend  of  my  heart,  to  whom  I  may  open  my- 
self without  reserve — whose  smiles  would  sooth  my  cares ; 
— this  sheet  would  be  a  scanty  beginning  and  as  I  would 
never  know  when  to  end — so  I  shall  not  make  the  attempt. 

Here,  my  love  there  is  no  such  thing  as  that  charming 


OLD   TIME  SHIPMASTER         197 

domestic  Society,  that  endearing  social  intercourse  which 
is  the  zest  of  life.  The  gentlemen  here  are  very  friendly 
to  me  but  in  all  the  houses  where  I  visit,  I  am  sure  to  be 
surrounded  by  mulatto  children — the  Mother  of  which 
generally  takes  care  to  shew  herself.  In  Dominico  it  was 
otherwise.  I  had  a  social,  smart  and  kind  Landlady, 
who  kept  an  excellent  house  and  paid  every  attention  to 
her  Guests.  The  Gentleman  to  whom  I  had  letters  of 
introduction  there  had  a  wife  who  was  not  the  less  inter- 
esting for  being  young  and  very  handsome;  but  she  was 
at  the  same  time,  frank  and  agreeable  in  her  manners 
and  truly  amiable  in  her  disposition. 

At  that  home  I  became  quite  domesticated — and  nothing 
that  I  have  ever  seen  in  the  West  Indies  appeared  so  much 
like  rational  society — so  much  like  my  much  lov'd  Home. 
In  a  few  days  I  expect  letters  from  the  Windward  and 
then  I  shall  be  able  to  inform  you  when  to  expect  me.  If  I 
am  not  in  time  to  make  arrangements  for  the  garden  you 
must  consult  with  your  father  and  do  what  you  think 
best.  I  hope  and  trust  that  you  will  not  stand  in  need 
of  cash,  as  the  arrangements  I  made  with  the  cashier  I 
suppose  would  meet  everything  necessary.  Adams  and 
Lothrop  will  owe  me  about  $400  for  Goods  which  they 
sold  for  me,  I  think  it  falls  due  the  last  of  this  month.  I 
need  not  caution  you  to  hold  that  and  everything  else  fast, 
for  some  accident  may  deprive  me  of  my  prospects  and  ren- 
der me  the  poorer  for  this  voyage. 

Charge  the  little  ones  to  remember  me  and  behave  well 
as  they  value  my  blessing. 


198  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Sr.  Barths,  April  14th,  1809. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

I  have  been  so  long  detained  in  this  place  that  I  have 
lately  begun  to  flatter  myself  with  the  fond  hope  of  hearing 
from  you  before  leaving  this — but  notwithstanding  the 
daily  and  hourly  arrivals  from  America,  and  many  from 
Rhode  Island,  yet  I  have  hitherto  been  disappointed.  I 
however,  persuade  myself,  my  Love,  that  you  could  not 
possibly  calculate  for  a  Letter  to  reach  me  here,  at  so  late 
a  period  as  this;  for  indeed  my  stay  has  been  prolonged 
very  far  beyond  my  intention.  The  hundreds  of  Ameri- 
cans that  have  poured  in  here  in  consequence  of  the 
unexpected  raising  of  the  Embargo — has  so  totally 
altered  the  face  of  things,  and  deranged  all  former  Cal- 
culations, that  we  had  as  it  were  to  begin  anew,  but  I  am 
at  last  so  near  ready  as  to  expect  to  sail  in  three  or  four 
days.  You  will  have  learned  by  my  former  letters,  what 
is  the  intention  of  the  voyage,  and  I  have  great  hopes  of 
being  in  the  United  States  within  forty  days  after  leaving 
this.  My  long  absence — so  very  unexpected  to  you,  I  fear 
has  caused  you  too  much  concern — but  I  trust  you  have 
been  supported,  together  with  our  dear  little  ones,  and 
preserved  in  safety  by  Him  in  Whom  our  breath  is,  and 
Whose  are  all  our  ways.  Through  His  Goodness  I  have 
enjoyed  uninterrupted  health.  To  His  holy  Protection 
I  daily  and  I  hope  sincerely  commit  you. 

I  am  much  disappointed  that  I  shall  not  have  the  pleas- 
ure of  attending  my  little  garden  this  spring.  If  little 
Parnell  is  blest  with  returning  health,  Betsey  must  now 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         199 

have  her  for  a  constant  companion  at  school.  I  hope  the 
only  strife  between  them  will  be,  who  shall  learn  fastest 
and  behave  best.  The  dear  little  Nancy,  I  suppose,  begins 
to  talk,  and  then  Aunt  Becca  as  well  as  you,  will  have  a 
new  source  of  delight,  I  wish  I  could  partake  it  with  you. 
In  the  mean  time,  dearest  and  best  of  Friends,  keep  up 
your  spirits  and  be  careful  of  yourself  for  his  sake,  who 
lives  but  for  you.     Ever  affectionate 

R. 

Sr.  Baeths,  April  22nd,  1809. 

My  dearest  friend.  After  a  tedious  detention  here,  I  am 
now  prepared  to  sail  to-morrow,  in  the  Swedish  Brig  Char- 
lotta,  Capt.  Duncken.  We  are  to  be  accompanied  by  the 
Swedish  Brig  Adolphus  Capt.  Englehart,  both  bound  to 
St.  Domingo,  and  thence  to  the  United  States — if  per- 
mitted. I  have  chartered  one-fifth  of  each  of  these  vessells 
and  have  advanced  towards  my  part,  seven  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars,  I  enclose  you  an  agreement  showing  how 
far  I  am  interested,  which  you  will  take  particular  care  of, 
and  together  with  this  Letter,  keep  to  yourself. 

If  I  am  not  almost  worn  out  myself,  by  so  long  driving 
about  among  these  Islands,  I  have  certainly  almost  worn 
out  my  clothes,  although  I  have  been  obliged  to  spend 
more  than  60  Dollars  to  recruit  my  small  wardrobe.  But 
think  not,  my  love,  that  I  am  leaning  towards  extravagance; 
on  the  contrary,  I  think  I  am  more  economical  than  ever, 
and  begin  to  fear  that  I  shall,  bye  and  bye,  grow  too 
worldly  and   avaricious.     With  the   assistance   of  some 


200  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

Friends  I  have  made  some  handsome  speculations  since  I 
have  been  out  here — by  which  I  have  realized  something. 
Whether  I  shall  lose  all  by  pushing  further  is  yet  to  be 
determined.  But  we  have  been  careful  to  write  for  In- 
surance on  the  whole  property — so  that  in  all  events  I 
hope  to  have  something  left. 

I  have  thought  it  necessary  to  be  thus  explicit  with  you, 
my  lov'd  friend,  concerning  my  business,  in  order  to  lessen 
as  much  as  is  in  my  power,  your  uneasiness  at  my  absence. 
I  need  not  caution  you  to  keep  your  own  counsel.  I  think 
the  time  will  not  be  long  'ere  I  shall  be  happy  in  the  bosom 
of  my  much  lov'd  family. 

For  while  my  memory  holds  her  seat 
The  fire  so  brisk — the  hearth  so  neat 

The  smiling  wife,  the  Children's  play 
Shall  never  from  my  memory  stray, 

Nor  howsoe'r  by  fortune  tos'd 

Shall  these  fond  scenes  be  ever  lost. 

I  hope  our  much  revered  Pastor  calls  often  to  see  you, 
that  you  may  have  the  benefit  of  his  pious  private  counsels 
— as  well  as  the  rich  consolations  of  his  public  ministra- 
tions. These  are  privileges — these  are  blessings  from 
which  I  am  debarred.  But  I  trust  you  remember  me  when 
humbly  imploring  Divine  Mercy,  whether  in  public  or 
private  that  you  make  our  children  constant  Partakers 
with  you  in  the  solemnities  of  religious  Worship;  as  far  as 
circumstances  and  health  will  permit.  Arduous  and  im- 
portant is  the  task  my  Nancy— the  double  task  that  de- 
volves on  you — from  my  long  absence,  of  rearing  aright 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         201 

those  tender  plants,  at  this  critical  age;  of  instilling  into 
them,  not  only  suitable  ideas  of  firm  reliance  on  the  Divine 
Goodness,  but  that  He  ordereth  all  aright. 

I  had  provided  myself  with  some  books  while  at  Windwd. 
My  British  friends  have  borrowed  them  from  me,  as  well  as 
some  other  articles,  entirely  without  leave,  but  they  have 
left  me  the  best  of  Books,  and  in  its  Divine  pages  I  daily 
find  abundant  sources  of  consolation,  "which  the  world 
can  neither  give  nor  take  away." 

When  I  review  my  Misfortunes  and  feel  oppressed  with 
solicitude  for  the  future  Maintenance  of  my  lov'd  Wife  and 
Children,  I  open  the  sacred  volume  and  receive  consola- 
tion from  the  affectionate  promises  of  our  Blessed  Re- 
deemer. I  read  Matthew,  6th  Chapter,  from  the  26th 
verse  to  the  end.  I  ponder  on  the  words  of  Life  and  my 
throbbing  bosom  is  still. 

Again,  when  I  reflect  that  all  my  best  laid  plans  are 
rendered  abortive  by  some  unforeseen  and  fatal  Disap- 
pointment, while  Fools  and  Boobies  around  me  are  basking 
in  the  sunshine  of  fortune's  favor  and  wallowing  in  the 
luxuries  of  this  life,  my  Pride  takes  the  alarm,  and  I  say 
to  myself,  "surely  it  requires  neither  virtues,  talents  or 
abilities  to  obtain  the  smiles  of  fortune,  since  such  Animals 
as  these  can  succeed."  I  again  open  the  inspired  volume 
— and  even  my  Pride  is  soothed,  by  finding  that  the  wisest 
of  men,  thought  on  this  subject  as  I  do.  I  read  Eccles. 
11th  Chap,  and  11th  verse,  and  fortify  my  mind  with  the 
same  opinion  which  Solomon  formed  and  promulgated 
three  thousand  years  ago. 


202  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

May  18th,  1809. 

The  Mate  and  five  of  the  Crew  of  the  Charlotta  have 
just  arrived  here  from  St.  Domingo.  I  am  rejoiced  to  see 
them,  as  I  can  now  provide  for  them  and  soon  put  them 
in  a  way  to  reach  their  respective  homes.  I  have  this  day 
also  the  pleasure  of  a  letter  from  my  friend,  Mr.  Ogden, 
informing  me  of  his  arrival  at  his  destined  port,  having 
lost  by  falling  in  with  the  Frenchmen,  about  Eight  thou- 
sand Dollars — which  however  the  underwriters  must  pay. 
Mr.  Ogden  has  already  made  sale  of  the  residue  of  his 
Cargo  and  I  hope  will  soon  be  in  America.  When  he 
arrives  you  will  hear  from  him,  having  family  of  his  own 
that  are  very  dear  to  him,  he  will  feel  it  a  Duty  to  give  you 
all  the  information  he  can. 

I  hope  and  trust  my  lov'd  Friend,  that  the  unexpected 
length  of  my  absence  will  not  cause  you  any  embarrass- 
ment for  money.  I  shall  endeavor  by  means  of  Mr.  Ogden 
to  remit  you  something  before  long.  Be  not  too  much 
disheartened,  my  dearest  Nancy.  Notwithstanding  all 
my  Misfortunes,  I  shall  still  have  something  left,  and 
though  it  would  be  idle  to  say  that  I  do  not  feel — and  very 
sensibly  too — these  unlucky  tricks  of  Dame  Fortune — yet 
I  firmly  trust  that  I  shall  rise  superior  to  them  all. 

Betsey,  you  are  almost  a  little  woman  by  this  time.  I 
hope  you  are  attentive  to  your  School  and  that  I  shall  find 
you  have  greatly  improved.  Do  you  take  Parnell  with 
you?  Be  careful  of  her,  and  always  be  very  kind  to  both 
your  sisters,  my  love.  You  must  learn  little  Nancy  her 
letters  at  home.     Let  me  have  the  pleasure  of  hearing  that 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         203 

you  are  dutiful  and  good  to  the  best  of  Mothers  and  I  shall 
love  you  more  and  more. 

My  dearest  and  best  friend — you  see  I  am  scribbling 
away  to  you  all;  as  if  I  knew  that  Life  and  Health  was 
still  continued  to  you.  God  only  knows  what  changes 
may  have  happened  in  my  absence.  But  'tis  our  duty  to 
say  in  all  events  "His  will  be  done."  To  His  holy  pro- 
tection I  commit  you. 

Per  Schr.  Eliza  Capt.  Thayer. 

Havana,  July  3d,  1809. 
My  Dearest  Love: 

Since  I  last  wrote  you  from  this  place  I  have  been 
anxiously  waiting  for  the  arrival  of  friend  Mosher,  having 
heard  when  he  sailed  from  R.  I.  by  Capt.  Thayer  of  the 
Schr.  Eliza.  But  Mosher  has  not  yet  arrived,  and  my 
anxious  feelings  for  the  situation  of  my  dear  family  are 
still  in  full  force.  I  have  taken  Passage  in  the  Brig  Adeline, 
Capt.  Christian,  and  expect  to  sail  for  N.  York  this  evening 
or  to-morrow.  I  prefer  going  by  way  of  N.  York  on  ac- 
count of  my  business  there,  which  would  otherwise  compel 
me  to  go  there  from  Bristol  very  soon.  I  shall  doubtless 
be  in  N.  York  before  you  will  receive  this,  but  as  Capt. 
Thayer  was  going  direct  to  Bristol,  I  have  entrusted  to  his 
care  a  piece  of  linen  which  I  bought  in  Jamaica  (my 
shirts  are  almost  done  for)  also  a  brass  coffee  pot  and 
four  bottles  of  Castor  Oil,  which  he  will  deliver  to  you. 


204  THE  ROMANCE   OF  AN 

Brig  Adeline,  Quarantine  Ground 

Below  N.  York,  July  17th,  1809. 

My  ever  dear  Nancy.  My  last  letter  from  Havana  will 
have  informed  you  that  I  should  probably  take  passage 
from  thence  soon.  Have  this  moment  anchor'd  here, 
where  we  must  remain  four  days  performing  quarantine. 
Well,  my  sweet  Friend,  with  sensations  of  delight  I  am 
once  more  at  anchor  on  my  native  coast  and  with  a 
mind  much  more  at  rest  than  I  have  been  for  many 
months,  as  I  had  the  day  before  I  left  Havana  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  our  friend,  Capt.  Mosher,  and  of 
being  assured  that  he  left  you  all  in  good  health. 
As  this  was  my  first  intelligence  from  you  for  more  than 
6  months  I  leave  you  to  judge  my  feelings  on  the  occasion. 
I  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  them.  But  my  Love,  he 
told  me  things  that  made  my  heart  ache,  but  stop !  I  shall 
soon  see  you.  In  the  mean  time,  my  Nancy,  rest  assured 
that  if  His  "possible  for  human  nature  should  be  so  base,  as 
that  those  you  lov'd  and  trusted  should  meanly  attempt  to 
wound  your  feelings,  by  stabbing  the  reputation  of  your 
absent  husband,  that  husband — strong  in  conscious  integrity, 
feels  as  much  above  such  rascally  attempts  as  the  authors  of 
them  are  below  contempt.  Pray  keep  this  letter  to  your- 
self. I  wish  you  had  done  so  by  all  that  I  have  wrote  in 
my  absence.  I  hope  my  business  will  detain  me  but  a 
few  days  in  N.  York,  when  on  the  wings  of  love  and  im- 
patience I  shall  fly  to  meet  you.  May  that  gracious  Being 
who  has  hitherto  protected  us  in  our  long  separation  still 
continue  His  goodness  to  us,  and  enable  us  to  meet  in 
safety.     Your  affectionate  Russell. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         205 


XIV 

THE   DEATH   OF  HIS   "  DEAR  FRIEND  AND   PARTNER*  * 

On  the  25th  of  May,  1810,  the  first  son  was  born  to 
Captain  and  Nancy  Russell.  Her  life  was  the  price  the 
mother  paid,  and  less  than  four  months  later  "she  de- 
parted in  peace — calm,  composed — and  entirely  resigned 
to  the  Will  of  her  Maker — having  lived  the  life  of  the 
righteous."  The  husband  and  father  has  left  his  own 
record  of  his  loss  in  the  following  letters  to  his  father  and 
brother  which  bring  to  a  close  the  romance  of  Captain 
John  Willard  Russell,  mariner  of  Bristol,  who  was  to 
survive  his  Nancy  no  more  than  four  years. 

For  sometime  there  had  been  an  estrangement  between 
the  sailor  and  his  father.  The  why  and  wherefore  of  it 
are  buried  with  their  dust,  but  in  these  last  letters  of  this 
series,  bereavement  bridged  all  differences  and  a  great 
sorrow  reunited  the  wandering  son  with  his  kindred.  The 
following  pages  complete  the  story  of  an  old-fashioned 
American  shipmaster  as  he  wrote  it  from  the  heart,  a 
hundred  years  and  more  ago : 

To  Nathaniel  Russell,  Esquire,  Winchester,  Conn. 

Bristol,  Oct.  9th,  1810. 
Will  my  dear  and  highly  honoured  Parents  once  more 
condescend  to  receive  a  Line  from  their  long  lost  son — 


206  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

who  has  long  thought  himself  entirely  thrown  from  your 
Affection  and  Remembrance.  It  is  utterly  impossible  for 
me  to  tell  you  what  I  felt  on  once  more  beholding  a  Brother, 
and  hearing  from  him  that  I  still  had  a  place  in  your  Hearts. 
To  him  I  refer  you  for  an  explanation  of  the  past — and — 
if  I  have  conducted  myself  unseemly  towards  you — may 
God  and  you — my  beloved  Parents — forgive  me. 

My  dear  Brother  has  been  with  me  when  I  was  bowed 
down  with  affliction,  having  been  but  recently  deprived  of 
a  beloved  Partner  of  my  heart,  who,  after  a  Marriage  of 
eight  years — I  every  day  found  more  and  more  reason  to  love 
and  esteem.  I  am  left  with  four  children — all  almost  help- 
less— God  grant  I  may  be  able  to  perform  my  duty  to  them. 

If  circumstances  can  render  it  possible,  I  shall  very  soon 
see  you.  In  the  mean  time  I  again  refer  you  to  my  worthy 
Brother — whom  I  can  never  sufficiently  thank  for  his 
kindness.     I  remain  your  affectionate 

John  W.  Russell. 

To  Mr.  Giles  Russell,  Winchester,  Conn. 

Bristol,  Nov.  2nd,  1810. 
Your  very  friendly  Letter  of  the  12th  ult.  my  dear 
Brother,  came  safe  to  hand,  and  I  feel  greatly  rejoiced 
that  you  had  the  satisfaction  of  finding  your  Family  well, 
and  especially  that  our  venerable  Parent  was  so  much 
more  comfortable  than  your  Fears  had  anticipated.  I 
participate  with  you  in  the  Happiness  of  again  meeting 
our  eldest  brother,  and  hope  you  will  have  much  Enjoy- 
ment while  together.     You  found  me  my  beloved  brother, 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         207 

in  a  state  of  mind  from  my  recent  loss — almost  dead  to  all 
joy  and  the  Avenue  to  every  earthly  happiness,  as  it  were, 
closed  up — but  if  anything  in  my  Widowed  state  could 
find  its  way  to  my  heart — could  again  lighten  up  the  almost 
extinguished  fires  of  social  feeling — it  would  be  accom- 
plished on  again  beholding  a  beloved  brother;  on  again 
hearing — (thanks  be  to  God)  that  my  respected  and  be- 
loved Parents — and  all  those  once  so  dear  to  me,  still 
lived.  I  feel  very  grateful,  my  dear  Brother,  to  you,  in 
particular,  for  the  pains  you  have  taken  to  restore  our  long 
interrupted  intercourse.  May  nothing  but  Death  put  an 
end  to  it. 

My  dear  little  children  talk  much  of  you,  and  about 
your  children.  Oh!  could  their  lamented  Mother,  whose 
Heart  was  all  alive  to  social  bliss,  could  she  have  shared 
this  joy  with  me — how  happy  we  should  all  have  been — 
but — God's  Will  be  done. 

I  have  delayed  writing  you  so  long  that  I  might  inform 
you  of  my  removal  to  my  new  house — where  we  are  now 
settled.  It  was  a  trying  scene  to  me — but  time — reflection 
— and  above  all  "  those  consolations  which  are  neither  few 
nor  small"  will,  I  trust,  enable  me  better  to  sustain  my 
mournful  situation. 

I  shall  probably  sail  very  soon  on  some  Winter's  Voyage, 
though  I  have  not  exactly  yet  determined  where.  I  shall 
write  you  again  soon  and  expect  to  hear  from  you  often. 
Good  Aunt  Becca  desires  her  love.  Remember  me  with 
warmest  love  to  all  and  believe  me  ever  your  affectionate 
brother  J.  W.  Russell. 


208  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

To  Mr.  Giles  Russell,  Winchester,  Conn. 

Bristol,  Dec.  29th,  1810. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

I  wrote  a  few  lines  last  week  to  sister  Betsey — and  have 
been  particularly  anxious  since  to  hear  from  some  of  you, 
on  account  of  the  critical  situation  of  my  respected  Father's 
health.  I  have  been  disappointed — but  I  flatter  myself 
that,  had  he  been  worse  you  would  have  wrote  me.  God 
grant  that  my  hopes  and  not  my  fears  may  be  realized.  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  finding  my  little  family  all  well,  and 
they  still  continue  so.  My  dear  little  boy — who  never 
knew  a  Mother's  fondness  or  a  Mother's  care — is  yet  a 
charming  Child.  The  other  children  are  continually  talk- 
ing of  yours,  and  reminded  me  of  the  Pleasure  I  felt  in 
being  a  short  time  with  them. 

I  have  not  yet  determined  on  my  voyage  circumstances 
made  me  wish  to  put  it  off  as  long  as  possible;  and  the 
gloomy  prospect  of  Affairs  abroad  makes  me  shudder  at 
the  thoughts  of  risking  anything.  I  think  it  pretty  certain 
that  the  non-intercourse  will  again  be  in  force,  as  respects 
England.  In  the  mean  time  there  is  no  prospect  of  a 
restoration  of  any  of  the  Millions  taken  from  us  by  our 
loving  friend*,  nor  do  I  see  any  shadow  of  security  for 
better  treatment  from  that  quarter  in  future. 

The  seizure  of  West  Florida,  by  force  at  this  critical 
juncture,  by  our  valiant  and  energetic  Administration, 
will  very  probably  lead  to  unpleasant  consequences.  On 
the  whole,  notwithstanding  the  pleasant  picture  drawn  by 

*  France. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         209 

Mr.  Madison,  I  think  our  situation,  as  respects  foreign 
Commerce  was  never  more  gloomy.     .     .     . 

Remember  my  duty  and  best  respects  to  our  beloved 
Parents.  My  love  to  your  amiable  wife — whom  I  shall 
always  delight  to  call  by  the  endearing  name  of  Sister. 

To  Betsey  and  the  children  say  every  kind  thing  for 
me,  and  believe  me  ever  Your  affectionate  Brother 

J.  W.  Russell. 

To  Mr.  Marshall  Keith,  Strafford,  Norwich,  Vermont. 

To  be  left  at  the  Post-office. 

Bbistol,  April  13th,  1811. 
Dear  Keith: 

Your  friendly  Letter  of  the  24th  ult.  did  not  reach  me 
till  two  days  ago.  Amid  the  gloom  of  my  own  sorrow,  my 
heart  still  participates  in  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  my 
friends.  And  very  great  indeed  was  my  satisfaction  to 
hear  once  more  from  you  and  Mrs.  K.  after  so  long  a 
silence.  I  am  much  rejoiced  to  learn  that  you  feel  so 
happily  settled.  May  your  anticipations  of  calm  Serenity 
and  decent  Competence  through  after  life  be  amply 
realized. 

On  the  25th  of  May  last  my  dear  Nancy  was  safely 
delivered  of  a  fine  boy — her  first  son  and  fourth  child.  At 
the  moment  of  childbed  illness  she  was  attacked  with  a 
severe  pleurisy.  The  double  shock  was  too  much  for  her 
— a  violent  Fever  ensued.  The  strength  of  her  excellent 
constitution  long  struggled  with  disease  and  pain,  and  she 
so  far  recovered  as  to  ride  out  two  or  three  times.     But, 


210  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

alas !  the  die  was  cast,  medical  aid  and  anxious  attentions 
availed  nothing.  She  languished  till  Septr.  5th  and  then 
departed  in  Peace — calm,  composed — and  entirely  re- 
signed to  the  Will  of  Her  Maker. 

Having  lived  the  "  life  of  the  righteous — her  latter  end 
was  eminently  like  His." 

I  am  left  with  four  infant  children — but  I  need  not 
speak  to  you  and  Mrs.  K.  about  my  loss — you  knew  her 
worth — you  knew  how  necessary  she  was,  almost  to  my 
existence — and  I  have  no  doubt  of  your  kind  sym- 
pathy. 

Early  last  spring  I  commenced  building  a  new  house, 
on  the  lot  I  own  north  of  the  Church,  nearly  opposite  the 
dwelling  of  James  DeWolf.  It  progressed  rapidly,  and  in 
July  it  was  ready  to  go  into.  But,  alas !  She  for  whom  I 
built  it — She  who  assisted  in  all  my  little  plans  for  making 
it  convenient — She,  who  fondly  anticipated  many  happy 
days  beneath  its  roof  with  her  husband  and  children  was 
now  fast  hastening  to  "the  house  appointed  for  all  liv- 
ing." 

After  my  loss  I  long  hesitated  what  to  do  with  my  house. 
I  could  not  bring  myself  to  remove  into  it — and  I  did  not 
wish  to  sell  or  rent  it.  At  length  a  sense  of  the  Duty  I 
owed  my  Children  enabled  me  to  struggle  with  my  feel- 
ings, and  in  November  we  occupied  the  new  Mansion. 
An  elderly  maiden  lady — a  near  relation  and  intimate  of 
Mrs.  Russell — who  had  been  an  inmate  of  our  family  for 
the  last  seven  years,  kindly  stays  to  superintend  my  family. 
The  infant,  at  a  few  weeks  old — was  put  out  to  nurse; 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         211 

has  had  an  excellent  place — we  are  about  weaning  and 
taking  it  home. 

Some  time  since  I  was  pretty  largely  interested  in  a  ship- 
ment of  coffee  to  Tonningen — you  know  how  things  are 
managed  lately  in  Continental  Europe,  and  I  have  great 
reason  to  fear  that  the  great  personage  who  "loves  the 
Americans  "*  will  never  suffer  me  to  have  my  property 
again;  if  so — it  will  absorb  the  greater  part  of  the  hard 
earnings  of  many  years. 

Many  of  your  old  friends  still  remain  and  often  speak 
of  you  with  affection.  Our  friend  Mosher  is  at  Havana, 
in  which  trade  he  has  done  well  lately.  During  his  ab- 
sence— his  wife,  in  her  old  age — has  another  daughter. 

This  place  has  greatly  altered  since  you  were  here,  you 
would  be  almost  lost  among  the  numerous  new  wharves 
and  stores.  I  presume  you  would  not  know  one  in  ten  of 
the  persons  you  meet.  Many  too,  of  your  old  acquain- 
tances, whom  you  never  would  have  suspected  of  such 
things  (Jacob  Babbit,  for  instance),  have  become  great 
men. 

Society  here  is  not  so  good  as  it  was  formerly;  "owing 
to  the  continued  influx  of  strangers,  and  it  being  a  kind  of 
city  of  Refuge.  A  large  proportion  of  our  newcomers  are 
related  to  rag-tag-and-bobtail.  Party  politics,  too,  have 
poisoned  the  peace  of  our  social  circles — but  this  is  in 
some  measure  wearing  off. 

Do  let  me  hear  often  from  you,  and  should  you  come 
near  here,  you  must  not  fail  of  making  us  a  visit.  Remem- 
*  Napoleon  I. 


212  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

ber  that  when  you  are  here  my  house  must  be  your  home. 
My  respectful  love  to  Mrs.  Keith,  and  believe  me  to  be 
with  affectionate  regard  your  old  friend 

J.  W.  Russell. 

To  Mr.  Giles  Russell,  Winchester,  Conn. 

New  Haven,  May  25th,  1811. 
Dear  Giles: 

The  Convention  which  I  have  been  attending  here, 
having  now  compleated  their  business,  I  am  preparing  to 
return  to  my  dear  family,  anxiety  for  which  has  alone 
prevented  me  from  enjoying  myself  well  while  here.  There 
were  delegates  from  every  State,  from  Maryland  northward 
and  I  may  venture  to  assert  that  a  more  respectable  body 
of  Clergy  were  never  convened  in  the  United  States.  The 
Lay  Delegation  was  composed  of  some  of  our  first  charac- 
ters, among  whom  were  the  Hon.  Rufus  King,  from  New 
York,  and  several  former  members  of  Congress,  from 
several  states.  This  Convention  meets  but  once  in  three 
years.  Their  deliberations  and  doings  have  been  con- 
ducted with  much  harmony,  and  I  hope  through  the 
blessing  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  may  conduce  to 
the  strengthening  and  advancing  of  his  cause  and  Kingdom. 

When  I  wrote  you  the  other  day  I  mentioned  something 
of  our  good  sister's  coming  to  see  me  this  summer,  if  con- 
sistent with  her  engagements.  Such  an  event  would  be 
very  desirable  to  me  on  many  accounts;  as  I  much  fear 
that  good  Aunt  Rebecca's  precarious  state  of  health  will 
make  it  absolutely  necessary  for  her  to  leave  me  for  a  few 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         213 

months — and  it  would  be  impossible  almost  to  find  any 
person  willing  to  take  charge  of  my  infant  family,  and 
with  whom  I  should  be  willing  to  entrust  them;  or  who 
could  feel  and  do  for  them  as  Aunt  Rebecca  has  done. 

To  Mr.  Giles  Russell,  Winchester,  Conn. 

Bristol,  Dec.  11th,  1811. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

You  have  been  a  long  time  silent,  but  I  have  had  the 
satisfaction  of  hearing  several  times  from  you  and  yours. 
I  need  not  tell  you  what  Pleasure  I  received  from  the  un- 
expected visit  of  my  Brother  Benjamin.  My  Satisfaction 
was  much  enhanced  on  receiving  his  Letter,  when  leaving 
you,  in  which  he  informs  me  that  he  returns  prepared  as 
he  hopes  to  save  his  farm.  I  wish  you  to  write  me  the 
Particulars. 

Our  little  Boy  has  been  very  gradually  recovering  and 
is  now  pretty  smart,  but  he  has  not  yet  gained  his  former 
stand.  He  was  reduced  very  low,  even  to  Death's  door, 
I  desire  to  be  truly  grateful  to  Him  who  has  restored  him 
to  me.  The  rest  of  us  are  all  well.  Sister  Betsey  has  been 
for  some  time  quite  smart  for  her.  Our  good  Aunt  Becca 
has  returned  sooner  than  we  expected.  Some  of  our 
Barnstable  friends  were  coming  here  on  a  visit,  and  she 
took  the  opportunity  to  accompany  them,  greatly  I  assure 
you,  to  my  satisfaction.  Her  health  is  much  better  since 
her  return.  Our  little  ones  are  very  often  talking  about 
yours,  planning  future  schemes  of  happiness  with  them 
and  wondering  why  we  have  no  letters  from  you.     Our 


214  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

old  complaint  of  dull  times  not  only  remains  but  increases. 
As  to  anything  of  a  public  nature — you  have  the  same 
means  of  seeing  and  judging  that  I  have.  I  think  how- 
ever, that  the  gloom  thickens,  and  in  regard  to  business  I 
am  almost  discouraged.  My  respects  and  duty  to  our 
honour'd  Mother,  my  love  to  all  the  little  ones.  Let  me 
hear  soon  and  often  from  you.  and  believe  me  your  ever 
affectionate  brother 

-  J.  W.  Russell. 

To  Mr.  Giles  Russell,  Winchester,  Conn. 

Bristol,  Nov.  9th,  1813. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

Your  favour  of  the  3rd  inst.  from  Hartford  I  received  in 

due  course  of  mail,  and  am  very  happy  once  more  to  hear 

of  the  welfare  of  those  so  dear  to  me.     My  friends,  that 

went  to  the  Westwd.  have  returned — they  came  through 

Lenox,  which  route  prevented  their  calling  on  you.     I 

have  all  along  had  hopes  of  seeing  you  here  this  fall, 

but  you  must  be  the  best  judge  whether  it  would  answer. 

You  made  enquiry  respecting  clocks — this  would  be  no 

time  to  sell  any,  on  account  of  the  great  scarcity  of  money, 

and  the  peculiar  pressure  of  the  times*,  which  is  already 

severely  felt  in  a  place  situated  like  this — when  corn-meal 

is  scarce  at  $1.50  per  bushel;   and  flour  from  $12  to  13 

per  bbl.;  when  the  common  labourer,  who  would  always 

through  the  season,  have  his  six  dollars  every  Saturday 

night  for  his  week's  work,  and  has  now  probably  not 

*  During  the  War  of  1812. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         215 

earned  10  dollars  in  the  summer;  when  the  crop  of  onions, 
which  has  usually  sold  for  $60,000  in  a  year  is  now  worth 
0000;  when  the  honest  sailor  who  supported  his  family 
well  and  laid  up  a  little  every  year,  has  now  been  three 
years  almost  out  of  employ — and  living  on  his  former  little 
savings;  when  added  to  this  we  view  the  hopeful  prospect 
before  us,  you  will  judge  that  it  is  not  without  reason,  that 
we  complain  of  hard  times. 

.  .  .  My  little  flock  are  all  well.  The  boy  grows 
finely  and  is  greatly  attached  to  his  Aunt  Betsey  v  My 
situation  ought  perhaps  to  make  me  feel  melancholy — 
but  I  think,  at  times  at  least,  that  my  Confidence  in  the 
goodness  of  our  Heavenly  Father  is  unshaken,  and  I  know 
that  I  still  possess  many  blessings — yea,  many  more  than 
I  deserve.  Our  little  Ones  were  delighted  to  hear  from 
you  and  send  their  love.  Mine  to  my  dear  and  honoured 
Mother,  and  to  all  yours.  Believe  me  your  affectionate 
Brother 

J.  W.  Russell. 


216  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

ANNUAL  THANKSGIVING,  NOV.  26,  1812 

Dedicated  to  Parnell  Russell.* 

By  Captain  John  W.  Russell 

When  God,  in  anger  lifts  his  arm 

And  hurls  the  frowning  dart; 
When  the  bar'd  bosom  feels  the  stroke, 

That  rends  the  aching  heart — 

When  Parents,  children,  brothers,  friends, 

Resign  this  mortal  breath; 
Or  the  dear  partner  of  each  joy 

Lies  pale  and  cold  in  Death — 

Though  all  creation  then  may  smile 

And  songful  groves  be  glad 
The  very  music  of  the  groves, 

The  very  smiles  seem  sad. 

Drear  looks  the  face  of  cheerfull  day 
More  drear  the  gloom  of  night, 

And  frolic  scenes  of  harmless  joy, 
Are  anguish  to  the  sight. 

If  then,  mid  frowns — such  killing  frowns 

(While  virtue  mourning  lies) 
The  grief  fraught  soul,  serene  looks  out 

From  sorrow  streaming  eyes — 

*The  second  daughter  of  Captain  Russell. 


OLD    TIME  SHIPMASTER         217 

Resigned — looks  up,  to  heaven's  high  throne, 

And  feels  the  strokes  were  right, 
On  those  deep  wounds — Jesus  shall  pour 

The  balm  of  sweet  delight. 

Consoling  angels  lend  the  hand 

To  guide  the  wanderer  home — 
And  sing — the  wanderer  too  shall  sing 

My  God,  I  come — I  come. 

All  Heaven's  bright  host  shall  tune  the  lyre 

To  praise  a  glorious  God; 
All  passing  glorious  when  he  smiles, 

And  glorious  in  the  rod. 

From  Heaven's  bright  host  let  mortals  lean 

To  join  the  angelic  lays; 
And  know  no  time — though  clad  in  gloom 

But  brings  some  cause  for  praise. 

Then  let  the  voice  of  praise  resound, 

In  love's  harmonious  strains; 
Glad  tidings  hear,  Jesus  has  come, 

The  Lord  Jehovah  reigns. 

Come — nature's  offspring  all  unite 

Let  men  begin  the  theme; 
Yes — recent  mourners,  you  may  aid 

This  rapt,  seraphic  hymn. 


218  THE  ROMANCE  OF  AN 

I,  too,  would  add  my  feeble  voice, 
Self-severed  though  I  mourn, 

Though  all — near  all,  my  earthly  joy 
Is  flown,  forever  flown. 

My  soul  shall  still  rejoice  in  God, 
And  still  his  succour  crave — 

Who's  nigh  to  heal  the  broken  heart, 
The  contrite  spirit  save. 


Captain  John  Willard  Russell  died  in  Bristol,  Aug.  20, 
1814 — Aged  forty-four  years. 


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